MICHAEL DAVID BARNETT

Born in Highland Park, Michigan to Ellis Vinton Barnett and Laura Irene Barnett.

Mike joined four older siblings, half-brother Eddie, brothers Virgil and Richard, and sister, Carol Barnett. On July 14, 1973, Mike married Joan Hoag at Grand Lake Chapel.

Mike attended multiple schools including Rogers City H.S., Alpena H.S., and graduated from West Phoenix H.S., Arizona.

Mike worked his way through college. He began at ACC and earned a B.A. from Eastern Michigan University and a Michigan Teaching Certificate. Mike completed his master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Mike taught in Alpena for 34 years, beginning with ninth-graders in the former TBJH on 2nd Avenue. Mike then moved to AHS to teach government, law, and history. He enjoyed teaching drivers education. He was proud to receive an Outstanding Educator Award in 1991, being nominated by a student who went on to become an assistant attorney general for the State of California.

For seven-and-a-half years after college graduation Mike financially supported his parents. Joan contributed to the last two-and-a-half of those years.

Mike’s fondest memories are years spent at East Grand Lake playing sandlot baseball with friends, and men’s volleyball. Mike co-owned Birch Hill store with his brother Virgil. People often mistakenly believed one brother was Mr. Birch and the other was Mr. Hill. Mike was an active member of Grand Lake Chapel and appreciated the wisdom of the Rev. Dr. Carroll M. Lewis. Mike served as Presque Isle Township Supervisor for many years. He was a proud life member of East Grand Lake Fire Department. During that time, he and partner EMT George “Mickey” Pagels delivered a healthy baby girl en route to Alpena General Hospital.

Mike spent many years as president of Alpena Education Association. Mike coached T-ball, softball, and did set up and take down for Aquakats Swim team. He was an assistant Boy Scout leader with Troop 92 of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena, through his son’s Eagle Rank. Mike was advisor to the Junior High student council.

In retirement Mike made 100 trips to Shriners Children’s Hospital of Chicago, transporting families and their children needing treatment. Mike was a Mason in the Rogers City Lodge and a member of the Alpena Shrine Club. Mike also spent many years on the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education.

After a period of declining health, Mike died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer at home surrounded by his family. Mike was preceded by his parents and siblings. He is survived by Joan, his wife of 50 years, and his two children, Michelle and Harley, who were his dearest memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60707 or Boy Scout Troop 92, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 727 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena, Michigan, 49707.

Visitation will be at McWilliams Funeral Home, 504 W. Washington Ave., Alpena, Michigan, on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 7 p.m.