Michael Steven Barnett, age 59, of New Prague, formerly of Jordan, died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at his home. Mike was born on February 13, 1962 in Pittsburgh, PA to Ronald W. and MaryAnn (Quallich) Barnett. He grew up in the Burnsville area, graduating from Lakeville High School and attaining his associate degree from Normandale Community College. He married the love of his life, Melissa M. Jacobsen on July 23, 1994 at Antioch Christian Fellowship in Eden Prairie, MN. Mike worked as a grocery operations manager for SuperValu and Cub Foods. Mike had a heart for the elderly and young people with disabilities. He went the extra mile for both, helping elderly customers with things like handling their grocery bags, getting to their vehicles, navigating snowy and icy parking lots. He mentored well over 50 young people with disabilities, heading a program that trained them and gave them the ability to live independently with meaningful job skills.
Mike exuded positivity and lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed theater and acting in high school, played football and hockey in high school, football at Normandale, and as an adult, was a huge softball player. He was a man of many talents and interests. He sang beautifully and enjoyed Karoake. He had a vast collection of toys from the 1940's, which he restored to working condition. His backyard was filled with bird feeders and he loved nothing more than to watch the birds and squirrels that visited. He loved gardening and shared the fruits of that garden with neighbors and friends. He was an avid fisherman, loved polka dancing, and was dedicated to the Black Labs that became his furry best friends. He fought the cancer that ravaged his body with ferocity and positivity and remained active to the very end. His kindness and larger-than-life personality will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Mike is survived by his wife of 30 years, Melissa; son, Jason (Julie) Barnett; beloved mother, MaryAnn Quallich Barnett; brothers, Christopher (Mindy) Barnett, Robert (Jane) Barnett; nephews, Andrew & Daniel Barnett, Mackenzie Sweeny; niece, Sydney Sweeny; dog, Finnegan; brother, Matt Sweeney; sister, Lesley Sweeney. He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald.
A Memorial Service will be held on October 10, 2021, from 2:00-4:00 at the Prior Lake Pavilion, located at 5000 Kop Parkway, Prior Lake, MN 55372, hosted by Michael's Mother, MaryAnn Barnett. There will also be a special mass held at MaryAnn's church on 11/14/2021 at 10:30 am at St Michael's Church, located at 16311 Duluth Ave. SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372.
We were devastated by Mike's sudden passing on August 22nd. We had been hopeful that he would ultimately prevail over cancer, but this was not in God's plan for Mike. Mike was forced to quit working earlier this year, due to his illness, but was able to pay out of pocket to keep his health insurance active. Despite this, the remaining medical expenses from his illness are significant. Therefore, anyone who wishes to honor Mike's memory in this manner, is requested to make a contribution which will be used to directly offset these expenses.
