Obituary of Michael Dillon Barnett

BARNETT, Michael D. of Saginaw, Michigan Our beloved son and brother, Michael D. Barnett, died peacefully at Sparrow Hospice, Lansing, MI on Wednesday, April 2, 2014. He was 71 years old. Michael Dillon Barnett was born in Saginaw, Michigan on October 12, 1942, the first born son of C. Neil Barnett (deceased) and Ellen Boergert Barnett. He graduated from St. Andrew High School in 1960, from MSU in 1964, and pursued a Master's Degree at MSU. He taught English at Northwood University in Midland, MI and Cedar Hill, TX. Michael participated in athletics from an early age, playing baseball with the Saginaw Savings and Loan, and W.L. Case teams. He played baseball, football, and basketball in high school and also played baseball at MSU. He returned to Michigan in 2006 and resided in Lansing until the time of his death. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha at MSU, the Poetry Club of Lansing, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Lansing. He is survived by his mother, Ellen L. Barnett, of Saginaw and six siblings: his twin, Kathleen (Peter) Loveland, Bridgman, MI; Neil (Adele) Barnett, Lansing, MI; Mary Ellen (David) Bluem, Saginaw, MI; Bob Barnett, Gaylord, MI; Tim (Bonnie) Barnett, Prescott, AZ; and Rick (Connie) Barnett, Saginaw, MI. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Neil in 1980. As a family, we were in awe of the strength Michael repeatedly displayed in his efforts to deal with his illness and injuries, and the fact that he never complained about the cards he had been dealt in his life. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2445 N. Charles Street. Rev. Fr. Ronald F. Wagner will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Friday, April 4, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Michael will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the City Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.