Robert Arnold Barchenger was born to Herman Louis and Myrtle May (Potter) Barchenger and was baptized on November 19, 1922, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Center, Oliver, North Dakota, by Rev. W. Burrack. His baptism sponsors were William Kiebert and Selma Martin.
Barchenger served a distinguished 26-year career in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO-4). His military service spanned World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Notably, he was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Throughout his service, Barchenger’s contributions were significant, and he retired in 1966 after a long and dedicated career.
On November 15, 1944, he married Charlotte Lunde Kent in Bismarck, North Dakota. The couple had one daughter, Valarie Kent Barchenger.

After his retirement from the Navy, Barchenger lived in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he passed away on February 16, 2008, at the age of 86. His life is remembered for his service to his country and his dedication to his family.