Michael S. Barsness

OXFORD - Michael S. Barsness, 70, passed away peacefully in his home on February 17, 2025.

He leaves his wife of nearly 25 years, Donna M. (Molinari) Barsness; three children, Tracy Chernyavsky and her husband Alex of Hamel, Minnesota, Sarah Gaul and her partner Jade, and their children Hailey and Aiden of Portland, Oregon, and Christopher Barsness of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as his step-children, Bryan Walsh and his wife Amanda and their daughter Rose, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Katelyn King and her husband Justin of Jersey City, New Jersey; his brother George Barsness of Alexandria, Virginia; and his sister Katy Liberoni of St. Augustine, Florida.

He was born on April 25, 1954, in Manhattan, New York, as the first of three children of Erling and Phyllis Barsness. The son of a U.S. Naval Officer, Michael spent his childhood living in different parts of the United States, including in Maine, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California. It was in California where Michael realized his talent for electronics and computer technology, a passion he carried with him for the rest of his life. He enlisted in the army in 1976, where he served as an electronic engineer in domestic assignments and in Germany. He later moved to Minneapolis where he settled down, raised his family, and rose to become a Senior Vice President at the medical device manufacturer Medtronic. He was a graduate of Cardinal Stritch University.

Michael met his future wife Donna in 1999. He moved to Massachusetts to be with her and enjoyed many happy years by her side. Together they traveled all over the world, and also enjoyed the simple joys of time spent with family, watching New England Patriot games, day trips to Rhode Island beaches and towns, or a trip to one of Michael's favorite local steakhouses.

In addition to his love of electronics, Michael was an avid golfer, a country music fan, and enjoyed a good crime show marathon. For the latter he was usually joined by his cuddly tabby Walter, who could not get enough of him. Walter sensed what everyone else knew - that Michael was a thoughtful, caring, and selfless man, who brought his joy, compassion, and wisdom into the lives of all his family and friends. He will forever be cherished and loved.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oxford. Calling hours are Saturday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Overlook Masonic Hospice and Palliative Care, 88 Masonic Home Road, Charlton, MA 01507.