Michael Dwayne Barnes passed away Oct. 2, 2022, in Highland Park, Ill. He was born Nov. 1, 1962, to Merwin “Mike” and Virginia “Ginny” (Aschauer) Barnes in Union Grove, Wisc.

Michael was beyond generous, jack of all trades. He served in the army for three years. He was a NASCAR racer and owned and operated many businesses, including Southwestern Car Lot in Evanston, Wyo., Thunder Mountain Race Track in Springville, Utah and a couple other dealerships in Utah. Michael also worked for Fred Mueller, Brickner’s, and Schroeder’s in Wisconsin. Michael most recently owned and operated Bear Renovations in Tomahawk.

He loved spending time with his sons and daughter and family. He was a funny guy and a great storyteller kind of man. He enjoyed camping, musky tournaments, snowmobiling, hunting and taking the pontoon out to look at the fall leaves. Michael will be missed by those who knew him.

Michael is survived by his children, Coleman Barnes, Shalor Lloyd, and Sharise (Lloyd) (Trevor) Timothy; grandchildren,  Trey and Wyatt Timothy; mother, Virginia “Ginny” Barnes; sisters, Trudell Kotsay of Florida, Terry (Evan) Kagie of Rhinelander, Angela (Don Wegener) Standifur of Marshfield, and April (Mike) Havlovick Wausau. He was preceded in death by his father, Merwin “Mike” Barnes, and Kimberly Lloyd.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. A visitation will be held 4-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10 at the funeral home and again on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. until the time of service also at the funeral home. Interment at Maple Grove Cemetery in the Town of Maine.

The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend, and then will be posted as a recording for future viewing. This can be found under his obituary on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.