Kerry Barthel Death, Obituary – On October 10, 2022, Kerry James Barthel, 54, of St. Michael passed away in his home. Kerry Barthel, the son of Duane and Kathleen Barthel, was born on April 5th, 1968. He was raised in St. Michael, where he was born and raised. He attended St. Michael Catholic School and Church, where he has been a member all of his life, and graduated from St. Michael-Albertville in 1986. On September 23, 1989, Kerry and Kathy Jo were united in holy marriage, and the Lord gave them two daughters, Kasandra and Krista. Kerry had a lot to be proud of, and he made it a point to express to everyone how fortunate he was in every interaction.
He put forth a lot of effort as a business owner, yet he never let his job become his entire existence. Everyone acknowledged his skill as a painter, but his contribution to the community went much beyond a simple can of paint, so we don’t just remember him for that. Kerry had many positive qualities, including generosity, humor, happiness, and obstinacy. And while those traits make for a successful businessman, they also make for excellent husbands, fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and friends. Everyone who was near him was given a moniker by him. He made sure to call you if he had your phone number.
Kerry and Kathy loved to vacation, go out to dinner, play cards with friends, pray together in the wine room, and love on their 7 grandkids. He was pro-life and pro-family, sharing in his desire for large families to grow within this community. His love for all of those in his life was truly unbelievable because it stretched so far, farther than we all know. Kerry’s faith was so strong, especially in recent years, the growth was loud and he was so honest with those around him about the truth of our Catholic faith. He shared how important the rosary was as he learned to love it more and more each day while praying with his wife and alone. Within his spiritual growth, he made sure to let his family know that he wasn’t scared to die and that this temporary home is just that, temporary.
When Kerry wasn’t drinking beer (a lot), he liked to play golf, watch and play football, plow his driveway, have thoughtful talks, and spend time with his family. Kerry would grill on Sundays so that the family could spend time together and “fix all the world’s issues.”
His mother-in-law Elizabeth (Pouliot) Daleiden died before him. Kerry is survived by his wife, Kathy Jo; children Kasandra (Jacob) Vorderbruggen, and Krista (Anthony) Praught; grandchildren: Vivian Praught, Alice Praught, Charlotte Praught, Elsie Vorderbruggen, Luetta Vorderbruggen, Ruger Vorderbruggen, and Gerard Vorderbruggen; parents Duane and Kathleen Barthel; siblings Jeanne (Wesley) Holland, Keith (Sue) Barthel, Lori (Scott) Ende, Timothy (Debbie) Barthel, Theresa (Jim) Eicher, and Anne (Roger) Tiernan, his in-laws, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael will host a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Kerry Barthel on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. Father Brian Park will serve as the principal celebrant, with Father Peter Richards, Father Connor McGinnis, Father Joseph Zabinski, Father Nathaniel Meyers, and Deacon Steven Dupay serving as concelebrants.
The St. Michael Cemetery at St. Michael will serve as the final resting place. On Thursday, October 13th, from 3–7 PM, THE CHURCH will host a visitor. At 7:00 PM, a Rosary will be recited. There won’t be any more visitations on Friday before Mass. All of Kerry’s nieces and nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers. Mitch Zachman, Ian Barthel, Brent Holland, Bryan Holland, Nicholas Eicher, and Sam Eicher will serve as casket bearers.
