Michael James Barnhart

Michael James Barnhart

Age 58, of New Lenox, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox, IL. Beloved husband of Lisa (nee Sieracki) Barnhart, loving father of Marty (Rachel Turner) Laughlin and Daniel Eber; devoted son of Joyce (late Ed) Miller; dear brother of Lisa (Tom) Schwer, Eddie (Jennifer) Miller, Michelle (George) Miller-Kavarta, and Natalie Miller; dear brother-in-law of Maureen Harwood, David (Valerie) Sieracki and Victoria Sieracki; loved uncle, cousin, and friend of many. He is also survived by his constant companion, Sammy. 

Mike was born in Chicago, and was a member of Ironworkers Local 1, Chicago, IL. Mike enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and riding his Harley. He was exceedingly kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand. 

Mike was an excellent son who looked out for his beloved mother. He came to her aid many times and hung out with her at her kitchen table for many hours. Mike was more than anything a mother could ever want from a son.

Mike was a loving brother and friend, someone you could confide in, someone who rallied with you through the highs and the lows. Mike brought life to any gathering he attended and loved to talk with you one-on-one. He would make you feel like your conversation with him was the most important thing happening at even the most crowded party. Mike was kind and genuine and on numerous occasions, he gladly helped to move family and friends to their new apartments and houses.

Mike was a skilled master craftsman who most generously used his expertise to help fix numerous home appliances, replace out busted water heaters, recharge your A/C on the hottest day of the summer, change out your brakes as well as tow your car out of a ditch. But mostly, he loved designing and building decks and fences and even a cedar pergola or two. If you knew Mike, chances are that – at least one time – he showed up at your house with his tool belt to help you fix something.

Mike was a Journeyman Ironworker out of Ironworkers Local #1 in Chicago. He served as a lead foreman for Quinco Steel, Inc. for 25 years where he was routinely tasked with the most difficult jobs. He never failed to lead his crews to a successful conclusion while working through the hottest of summers and the coldest of winters. He will be missed by his Brother Ironworkers.

Mike also loved all things that would go fast. His Harley Davidson 2003 Anniversary Edition Softail Deuce was his prized possession. Fully chromed-out with a bored and stroked 103ci engine upgrade, he loved to tear through the back roads of Will County, then end up at a favorite restaurant for Sunday Morning Breakfast, which often included eggs benedict and biscuits and gravy and pancakes with whip cream and blueberries on top, all at once.

Mike’s dream to rebuild a 1966 Chevelle (and build his own pole barn garage) never came to be. However, he did rebuild numerous other cars, including a Mustang and a Jeep. His final car project was the rebuild of his 2001 Silverado, which included the design and fabrication of a custom steel bumper and winch that makes his truck look like something that would appear in a Transformers movie. 

Mike also had the strongest dedication to weightlifting as part of his daily routine for over 30 years. Even during the two separate 9-month periods following his quad rupture repair surgeries, he was still working out every day to maintain his upper body strength. He was known to drink a raw egg or two.

But most of all, Mike was the best husband ever, providing loving care for his wife Lisa for over 108 years (actually 18 years). He met her during the lowest point of her life and helped her get back to her true self -- and then some. He provided support and encouragement in her many creative ideas and helped turn each of them into reality. Mike was the strongest of friends to her two sons, Marty and Dan, providing them with advice and encouragement through the years, letting them know he was someone they could always count on.

Last but not least to mention is Mike’s love for his dog Sammy, a black lab mix with a white paw who was rescued during Covid. Sammy became Mike’s constant companion. They went on many walks together to the park, where they would often sit together on the bench and look out to the sunset. 

Mike will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 3pm – 8pm. Services with a time of sharing and prayers will be on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00am. Interment to follow at Maplewood Cemetery, New Lenox, IL.