Date of Death: May 2, 2026
Service Details
The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI.
Funeral services will be held at St. Michael Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., The Rev. Paul Naumann officiating. The service will be preceded by a 10:00 a.m. visitation with the family. St. Michael Lutheran Church, 7211 Oakland Dr., Portage, MI 49024.
Graveside services will be held at Moorepark Cemetery, Three Rivers, beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Obituary Notice
Caroline Louise Barkow, age 95, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Caroline was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on February 2, 1931, the daughter of Homer L. and Mildred J. (Yentes) Seng.
Caroline married Roland Richard Barkow on Nov. 29, 1958, and they shared 58 years together prior to his passing on Nov. 13, 2017. Together they began their journey in the Lutheran Ministry starting in Minnesota, then later in Ionia, MI, until they finally found a home at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Three Rivers where both Roland and Caroline ministered and cared for many families for over 27 years.
Caroline loved her Savior, Jesus, and had a very deep faith which she enjoyed sharing with her Sunday School Students which she guided throughout her time at St. Peter’s. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed going on pontoon rides. Characterized by kindness, she loved getting to know people and would talk to anyone. Roland and Caroline were very special to the people of Three Rivers where they made many lasting friendships and later moved to the Kalamazoo area and followed suit.
Her memory will be cherished by her three sons: Jonathan Barkow, Joel & Mary Barkow, and Joseph & Kathie Barkow; grandchildren, Talitha, Anastasia, Josiah & Kaitlin, Kelia & Michael, Kiah and Katryel; great-grandsons, Henry, Stetson, and Oliver, and a great-granddaughter on the way; sister-in-law, Linda Seng; and nieces and nephews.
Additional Information
Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church in Portage, Lutheran World Relief or Mayo Clinic, designated for Parkinson’s research. Envelopes are available at the Hohner Funeral Home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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My Condolences to the family
Caroline (and Roland) were kind and loving people who welcomed my husband, Matt and I as a fellow clergy and spouse. We shared many dinners out and I cherish those memories. Peace on the path of grief and joy in remembrance and thanksgiving for a lifetime of love as your family celebrates her life.