John S. Barnett

1942 - 2021

John S. Barnett

Manitowoc - John S. Barnett, age 78, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 26, 2021 at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay, due to COVID 19.

John was born November 13, 1942 to the late Stewart and Lucille (Milske) Barnett in Manitowoc. He attended Lincoln High School. On July 10, 1965 he married Carolyn Ziarnik at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Manitowoc.

John an owner operator truck driver, who began his career at age 17 with Dean Brennan Transport, Inc. and finished with R & J Transport Inc., where he drove for 42 years until his retirement in 2016.

John loved being on the road - overcoming the challenges associated with hauling special equipment, fitting his 18 wheeler into tight places with absolute precision and style, and mapping routes across the United States and Canada, with a map and his memory (no GPS).

Moreover, John loved his family. Albeit spending most weekdays on the road, when home he spent time making his family's house a home, going to kid events, attending church and instilling the lessons of hard work in his children when they help prepare his truck for the next long haul.

In retirement, John enjoyed being a snowbird with Carolyn, spending most winters in Florida, woodworking, reading and visiting with this his kids and grandkids.

O' Lord, Bless our trucker out on the road. Keep him safe and return him home.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years: Carolyn Barnett, Manitowoc; daughter and son-in-law: Kim and Troy Peters, Quincy, IL; three sons and three daughters-in-law: Kevin and Jenee' Barnett, Antioch, IL; David and Sara Barnett, Manitowoc; Craig and LeAnn Barnett, Manitowoc; seven grandchildren: Christian and Alexander Peters, Austin (Hannah) Barnett, Tyler Barnett, Abigail "Abbey" Barnett, "Little" John and Leah Barnett, sister-in-law: Cindy Barnett, Broken Arrow, OK; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He is preceded in death by his brother: Peter Barnett.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1114 S. 21st Street, Manitowoc. The Rev. Ben Johnson will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial. Cremation will take place at the All-Care Cremation Center following services.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Due to the current health situation, face coverings are required and social distancing should be followed.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.