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Michael David Harnois
1956 - 2012
Michael David Harnois
1956 - 2012
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Michael Harnois Obituary
Michael was raised in Washburn, WI where he graduated from Washburn High in 1974. He received a Bachelor of Arts in music from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1982. In 1987 he graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago receiving his Master of Divinity as an ELCA Pastor. Michael went back to school at University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN where he graduated in 2004 with a Juris Doctor and began a brief law career. The majority of his life was dedicated to the Lutheran Church as pastor of several churches in the Midwest region.
Michael enjoyed being an avid sailor as well as singing and computers. His greatest joy of all was theology and liturgy. Michael also had a special bond with his 2 dogs Rocky and Bogard, whom he loved to spend time with.
Michael leaves behind his father Ervin Harnois and his companion Pat; his wife Stephanie (Zafft) Harnois and her two daughters Erienne and Haleigh Fullerton; his two sons David and Andrew Harnois and his wife Nicole and their mother Susan Harnois; his siblings Kathy Green, Greg Harnois and his wife Charlene, Amy Zinski and her companion Brian, Dan Zinski, Elizabeth Kallio and her husband Rick, Jaimie Zinski and her companion Josh, Maren Zinski and her companion John, and Lance Lafblad; and many nieces, nephews and a grand niece and nephew. Michael is predeceased by his mother Betty Lou (Brenholt) Zinski.
A memorial service to celebrate Michael's life will be held in Washburn Wisconsin at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 231 West 5th Street, Washburn, WI on Saturday, August 25 at 11:00AM. A second memorial service will be held at St. John the Evangelist, 35 Bowdoin St, Boston, MA on Saturday, September, 8 at 4:30PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), PO Box 102. 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Linda Schubert
July 15, 2024
I am a friend from Michael's days at UW Oshkosh--we had music and German classes together. I was so sorry to hear of his death. When my husband and I visit Lake Superior, I'll say a prayer for you, Michael. --Linda
C Kalmon
August 27, 2012
I grew up in Washburn, WI and went to school with Michael and some of his siblings...such an incredible singing voice...my deepest sympathy to his family during this time of sorrow.
August 26, 2012
Peace and consolation to you all as you grieve. Michael was a facebook friend for me, too, and I enjoyed his comments and perspectives. It is a sad day and I pray for God to surround and hold you all in the loving arms of peace. Jan Erickson-Pearson, Littleton, Colorado
August 26, 2012
My sympathy to Pastor Michael Harnois' sons, David and Andrew, whom I knew as little boys. He was a great singer. God's blessings to all.
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Helen Stevenson
August 24, 2012
God bless you Michael, may you find eternal rest in Christ. Jesus, please take care of his family.
Deb Hoppe
August 23, 2012
I belong to a church in Washburn, Iowa that Michael was our pastor, in fact he married my husband and I. He was an awesome pastor. I enjoyed talking to him about two weeks ago when he came to our service. He will be greatly missed by all. May his family feel the comfort of God's love during this sadden time.
Carol Rosin (Brown)
August 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Chantal Polsonetti
August 22, 2012
Stephanie - I am very sorry for your loss. It was so wonderful to hear Michael give his sermon at this year's Palm Sunday mass, and I will forever remember him as he was that day. I pray for peace for you, Michael, and your family.
August 22, 2012
Kay and I want to extend our sympathies to Stephanie and all the family in this most difficult time. When our children were young, we spent a lot of time with Mike and his brothers and sisters and my sister, Betty. He was a regular at our family gatherings through the years. All our love, Kay and Floyd
August 22, 2012
Michael, rest in the eternal peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Steph and entire family, I will continue to pray that the Lord comfort and guide you throughout this difficult time. Pastor Mary Nesmith
Sarah Randall
August 22, 2012
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Father Eric Funston
August 22, 2012
Michael and I became friends through Facebook, finding we had much in common as clergy who were also lawyers. I will miss his wit and his wisdom. May he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may his family find comfort in God's love.
Joelle Colville-Hanson
August 22, 2012
I only knew Michael through facebook but found we had much in common and I enjoyed his postings. I am so very saddened at this loss and pray for comfort and strength to his family and loved ones.
Dennis Hagler
August 22, 2012
My heart aches for Stephanie, and all of Michael's extended family, K9 and otherwise. I imagine Michael at peace, setting sail on Chenquamegon Bay with his dog at his side.
Lisa Pehrson
August 22, 2012
Steph and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will pray for peace for you and especially for Michael.
Cynthia Pape
August 22, 2012
Our heartfelt sympathy to Stephanie and all the family at this very difficult time. God comfort you and May God bless Michael and give him eternal rest. The Rev. Cynthia Pape and Anne Campbell Moore
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