Allen Barnes

Allen Stewart ("Stewdie") Barnes, 82 was taken home to his eternal rest on February 8, 2010. Al was born May 19, 1927 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin the oldest child of Nathan and Helen (nee Lentz) Barnes. Al had just begun residency in the Heartland House Retirement Community in Wautoma following a brief illness. He had resided in Plainfield since taking his first teaching position with the Tri County Schools then moving to Wautoma on June 2, 1965 when he married Frances M. Shemanski (nee Kraus) a young widow with 7 children. Frances preceeded him in death on December 1, 2008.

Al was a firm believer in education, attending the Jefferson Public Schools graduating from Jefferson High in 1944 then on to Platteville State Teachers College (now UW-Platteville) for his Bachelor of Science and finally obtaining his Master of Science from Colorado State-Greeley in 1960. Between High School and College, Al served his Country in the Navy on the USS Colbert in the Pacific Theater. Active in athletics his entire life, it was only fitting that he became the Athletic Director of the Tri-County Schools, a position he held until his retirement. He was a passionate coach who more than likely holds the record for most technical fouls at Plainfield Schools for flying off the bench to debate an official's call. He spent many summers working in seasonal agriculture in the Central Sands as a fieldman, primarily for Green Giant.

It would be hard to judge which hobby gave the most joy to Al...the crack of the baseball bat or the bark of the coon hound. He had a love for both since his childhood. His retirement gave him more time to devote to his very active schedule as a scout for Major League Baseball - first with the Kansas City Royales, then the Los Angeles Dodgers and finally with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was a fixture at baseball tournaments throughout the state.

Al belonged to many clubs and organizations throughout his life-the Plainfield Lions Club and the Jefferson Coon and Fox Hunting Club (with his father Nathan as one of the original founders) were particular favorites of his. As a retired teacher, he was a member of the Wisconsin Retired Educator's Association. He was also active in many Wisconsin Athletic Associations and Coaching Organizations. He belonged to St. Joseph's Church in Wautoma.

He was very much loved by his step children, John (Joany) Shemanski-daughter Beth (Bruce) Mlsna; Sally (James) Baldry; Mary (Tom) Olkiewicz-daughter Kirsten (Keith) Wilson and son William (April) Olkiewicz; the late Stephen Shemanski-daughter Gennine Castenada and son Justin (Heather) Shemanski; Ralph Shemanski; Stan (Susan) Shemanski-son Wesley Shemanski and daughters Clara and Sydney Shemanski; Mark Shemanski. He is further survived by his loyal and caring nephews, Peter (Gail) Nevins and Mark (Gina) Nevins as well as 10 great step grandchildren. Besides his wife and step-son Stephen, Al was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved sister Janie Nevins, his brother Robert Barnes and step-grandson Matthew Olkiewicz. Also leaving behind very dear and loyal friends, Alex Aschenbrenner and David and Barbara Barker all of Plainfield.

The family has deep gratitude to Dr. Michael Shattuck who had cared for Al not only as his physician but as a true friend; the Berlin Memorial Hospital ER and ICU personnel who gave Al the highest level of care and attention during his stay there and the Heartland House staff who were with him on his final day.

Al will be deeply missed by his family, friends and neighbors. God's Blessings on you Al for caring so much about those in your life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wautoma. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma and from 10:00 a.m. Monday until the time of services at the church. Inurnment with full military honors will take place at a later date.




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