Michael John Barney

Michael John Barney of Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2020, at home with his wife, Darla, at his side.  She lovingly took care of him at home during his battle with cancer.

Mike was born in La Crosse on January 11, 1951, to Donald and Nona (Stanton) Barney. He graduated from La Crosse Logan High School in 1969.

On February 17, 1973, Mike married Darla Kohlmeyer. Together they had four children and six grandchildren: son, Benjamin and his wife, Jennifer; grandchildren Bennett and Delana Barney of Onalaska, and daughter, Kendra and her husband, Zachary Norris; grandchildren, Bailey (Kevin) Post, Emma, Joshua and Caleb Norris of Fond du Lac, Wis.

Mike spent his entire life doing landscaping and excavating; first with his father, Donald, and then in his own business. He served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1979. He was an avid racing fan and enjoyed both local races and annual trips to Bristol, Tennessee for NASCAR races. Mike was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran church in Onalaska where he served as an elder, head usher and on church council.

Mike is survived by his wife of 47 years; his children and grandchildren; brother, Dr. Donald “Pete” (Theresa) Barney; sister, Rita Wolfe; sister-in-law, Carmen Viner; nephews and nieces, Jeff, Kathy, John, Don (Heidi), Jason (Jill) Barney, Jenny (Chad) Kime, Colleen (Art) Stender, Rich (Jenny) Wolfe, Steve (Deb) Wolfe, Hunter Viner, Christina Hollister and Matthew Kohlmeyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law Norm and Bernice Kohlmeyer; twin sons, Peter and Paul Barney; brothers-in-law, Tim Viner, Allyn Kohlmeyer, and Richard “Dick” Wolfe; and nephew, James “Jim” Barney.

The family would like to express special appreciation to Verona Lachman, Care Coordinator at Gundersen Health System and the nurses of Gundersen Hospice for the compassionate care given to Mike.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 1st, at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Onalaska.  Pastor Brett Ehlke will officiate.  The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by using the church's YouTube link at https://www.youtube.com/user/stpaulsonalaska .  Guests are asked to be mindful of social distancing guidelines while in attendance and masks or facial coverings are recommended.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gundersen Hospice, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or Luther High School.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:10