Obituary: Paul M. Barnes

Paul M. Barnes passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2012, at age 98. Resident of Alexian Village. Former resident of Mequon and former longtime resident of Whitefish Bay.

Survived by his loving wife Vera, his children Andrew, Margaret and James, step-daughters Gigi and Marisa, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his late wife Elisabeth (nee McClenahan) Barnes and son John Robert.

Paul graduated from Monmouth College in Illinois and the University of Chicago Law School. He joined Foley & Lardner law firm in Milwaukee in 1940; Paul went to enlist in the U.S. Navy the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked in Dec. 1941, and he served as an officer aboard a battleship in the Pacific through the end of World War II. After the war Paul returned to Foley & Lardner where he became the eleventh partner of the firm in 1949. After 45 years at Foley & Lardner, Paul retired in 1985.

Paul loved the outdoors, especially the mountains of Colorado, where he spent his early years and later took his family on vacations. He also loved Lake Michigan, in which he swam several times each week from Spring to Fall for over 50 years until his early 90s. Paul was an avid golfer in almost all (including atrocious) weather, usually wearing shorts. Vacationing often in Arizona where he lived part-time after he retired, Paul also enjoyed horseback riding. He treasured dinner at home, was a voracious reader, and had a deep love of learning throughout his life, traveling widely.

Paul was a director or officer of numerous for-profit and charitable organizations, including Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Attorneys’ Assurance Society Ltd., Monmouth College, Milwaukee Protestant Home, Columbia Hospital Corporation and many others.

Paul was a wonderful husband and father, and a strong and inspiring man with a huge passion for life -- he was always “rarin’ to go.” He will be missed greatly, but forever loved and remembered.

The family will greet friends at Alexian Village of Milwaukee, in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, on Saturday, January 5, from 10:30 AM until the time of service at 12 Noon. A reception at Alexian Village will follow the service.

Interment was private at Forest Home Cemetery. Memorials in Paul’s name may be made to Alexian Village of Milwaukee Scholarship Fund, 9301 N. 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53223 or The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County, P.O. Box 26019, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.

Paul’s family sincerely thanks Dr. Soryal, and the staff of Alexian Village Health Center and Allay Hospice for their wonderful care of Paul.

Obituary provided courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home