Michael Barnett

Michael David Barnett December 29, 1943 – February 1, 2024
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 9 th graders in the former TBJH on Second 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 S t ate of California.
For 7 ½ years after college graduation Mike financially supported his parents. Joan contributed to the
last 2 ½ 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 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, IL 60707 or Boy Scout Troop 92, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 727 S. 2 nd. Ave.,
Alpena, MI 49707.
Visitation will be at McWilliams Funeral Home, 504 W. Washington Avenue, Alpena, MI on Thursday,
February 8 th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.