Michael Barney

Michael D. Barney, age 59, resident of Michigan, ND, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 17, 2013.

Mike was born October 12, 1953 at McVille, ND, the son of Milton and Charlotte (Bonde) Barney. He was baptized at Melrose Lutheran Church and spent most of his youth on the farm established by his great grandparents located south of Michigan. He attended school in Michigan and graduated with the class of 1971. He then attended NDSSS at Wahpeton. Following his education, Mike was employed by the U.S. Geological Service in Arkansas, Kansas, and Plainview, MN, where he met his wife Jennifer Jacobs. They were married October 19, 1974 in Plainview. They lived in Elgin, MN until moving to Michigan, ND in 1975. Mike worked various carpentry jobs until he established Prairie Builders with Dale "Whoski" Staniszewski in March of 1988. Mike was a lifelong, passionate outdoorsman and he shared his love of it with everyone around him. He was devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren who will miss their "Papa Dude". He enjoyed telling stories and spending time at the shop.

Mike will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Jennifer Barney of Michigan, ND; 4 children, Erin & husband Jay Isenhart of Papillion, NE, Jerilyn & husband Cory Wass of Starkweather, ND, Marie & husband Nate Moen of Maple Grove, MN, and Michael Jacob Barney & girlfriend Aubrey Schulz of Grand Forks, ND; 3 grandchildren, Chester & Ella Wass and Nettie Moen; his parents, Milton and Charlotte Barney of Michigan, ND; 2 brothers, Lance & wife Georgette Barney of Fernley, NV and Paul Barney of Anchorage, AK; 1 sister, Kate Barney of Dickinson, ND; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David Barney.

The Funeral Mass for Mike will be held at St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church in Michigan, ND, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the spring at the Michigan Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Church on Friday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. followed by a time of sharing. Visitation will continue on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to St. Lawrence Church for a planned restoration project.