Bradley David Barnes

Bradley “Barney” David Barnes of Minocqua ,previously of Jefferson, Wisconsin passed away surrounded by his family and nature on the morning of Thursday, April 3rd, 2025.He was born August 19th, 1961 and was one of the original members of the “19 Club.”

Brad graduated from Jefferson High School in 1979 and earned an electrical certificate from Madison College soon after. He married Vicki Carnes on August 13, 1988 and together were given one daughter on December 10th, 1988 whom they proudly named Adeline Mae.

Barney was the most giving person and could always be found chatting with someone who needed to talk. Whether that was behind the bar slinging drinks at Rue’s Lanes or cooking for those who couldn’t cook for themselves at Lake Mills Healthcare and Minocqua Health and Rehab.

Brad enjoyed Badger football and basketball and was the best recliner coach; Greg Gard had nothing on him! And, it was never a true Friday night if he wasn’t switching between his blues station and the Brewer game. 

Brad loved to joke, and could be found on a Thursday night with all his bowling buddies gathered around him laughing. On Sundays you could find him in his yellow shirt at a Helenville Rebels ball game, or on a road rally looking for fill-ins and yelling “Next Instruction!”

In 2019, Brad and Vicki moved up north, to what was then the old Haas cabin, and took on their new adventure of tearing the old down and building their brand new dream home. Brad loved being in the woods and could be found on summer nights outside listening to his peepers and in the winter lumbering across the lake to drill some holes in the lake so he could put his tip ups in and catch some fish.

His presence will be deeply missed, but Brad beat his cancer in other ways. He was always there to give the most metaphorical advice like “never straight, always forward” and “always remember to check your ground.” 

He is survived by his wife Vicki, daughter Adeline (Tracy) Barnes, step granddaughter Mackenzie (Brayden) Junker, step great-granddaughter Paislee Junker and another step great grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his brother Michael (Susan) Barnes, Rae Jean (James) Dunnington, Dawn (James) Swan, many nieces and nephews, and many many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents David Lee and Inez Ruth (Schuld) Barnes, as well as his sister Gwendolyn Mulks.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date in Jefferson, WI where all of his friends and family can gather.

Vicki and Addy would like to thank Aspirus Cancer Care - Rhinelander - James Beck Cancer Center; UW Health Cancer Carbone Center; Compassus Hospice Care; and Nimsgern Funeral and Cremation services for all of their patience and care for Brad and his family.

Hospice nurses are one of our world’s greatest blessings and should never be taken for granted.

If you wish to express your love, kindness, and appreciation for the family monetarily, you are welcome to donate to The Prostate Cancer Foundation at www.pcf.org or you can send donations to the family to help pay for any outstanding medical bills.