Donald John Barr, age 79, of Negaunee Township, MI passed away peacefully at home on August 9, 2017 in the loving care of his wife, daughters and caregivers from UP Home Health and Hospice.
Don was born January 7, 1938 in Marquette to Joseph & Frances (Hoholik) Barr and graduated from Bishop Baraga High School, Class of 1956. On January 17, 1959 he married the love of his life, Marilyn Miller.
He graduated from auto mechanic school in St. Louis, MO & became the manager of Barr's Garage in Marquette after his father's death in 1959. In 1964, he began his 32 years of employment with UPPCO in various roles until retiring in 1996 as a supervisor. In 1976 he became the co-owner of Barr's Bar in Negaunee with his wife.
Don served with the Army National Guard of Michigan. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee, the Marquette Elks, MLBA & the Dead River Campers Association. Don enjoyed immensely his retirement years as a snow bird, spending winters in Florida and summers at their camp on the Dead River Basin.
Surviving are his loving wife, Marilyn; brother, Robert (Lauris) Barr of Manistique; children: Kristine (Timothy) Elwart, Kimberly Sowle & Joseph (Julie) Barr; Grandchildren: Katie & Megan Elwart, Bradley & Brianna Ruesing, Victoria Sowle & Donald & Angela Barr; Great-granddaughter, Hannah; and niece and nephew, Joe & Theresa. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to extend a thank you to all the health care givers encountered over the last two months, particularly the ICU nurses at UP Health System Marquette & nurses from UP Home Health Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, August 14th at St. Paul Catholic Church with Monsignor Peter Oberto officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at Koskey Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon from 3-5 pm, and also at the church for one hour prior to Mass at 11 am on Monday. A luncheon will be held in the St. Paul Gymnasium following services. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bradley Ruesing, Tim Elwart, George Bourdage, Dennis Duquette, Gerry Gerou, Ron Martin and Steve Pietro. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Mr. Barr’s memory to UP Home Health and Hospice.

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