Margaret Barger

Margaret Burleigh “Patterson” Barger

Jan. 27, 1943 - June 10, 2026

IMPERIAL, Neb. — Margaret Burleigh “Patterson” Barger, 83, of Imperial, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Margaret was born on Jan. 27, 1943, in Wayne, Pa., and spent most of her childhood in Morrison, Colo. She graduated from Evergreen High School in 1961 and began her lifelong vocation of caring for others with her first job at an orphanage in Denver, Colorado. Inspired by her work there, she attended night school to become a nurse and later worked at St. Anthony Hospital.

During this time, she met the love of her life, Robert Brendon Barger. The two married and eventually moved to Imperial, where they built a home and raised their family. Margaret’s life was marked by quiet strength, generosity, and a deep devotion to her Catholic faith. She enjoyed birds, gardening, and painting, and she poured the same care and love into her hobbies that she did into her family and community. She would do anything in the service of others and was always ready with a listening ear, a helping hand, or a home-cooked meal.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert Brendon Barger of Imperial; her children, Amiee Ruddell of Westlake Village Calif., Patrick Barger of North Platte, Neb., Robert Barger of Imperial, Christopher Barger of North Platte, Maria (Charles) Willox of Springdale, Ark., Steve (Caroline) Barger of Omaha, Neb., Margaret (Arthur) Schroetlin of Hickman, Neb., Monica (Troy) Hough of Lincoln, Neb., and Andrea (Andrew) Fiala of Lincoln; and her 29 grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great joy and pride.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Brisbin Patterson and Margaret Burleigh “Eichengreen” Patterson.

Visitation was Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 3-5 p.m., followed by recitation of the Rosary at 5 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Imperial. A Mass of Christian Burial was 10 a.m. on Monday, June 15 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Imperial, with Fr. Bernard Lorenz officiating. Interment followed at Chase County Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com

Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.