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Frank Joseph Barnett
05-15-2025

Francis “Frank” Joseph Barnett, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 13, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Frank was the beloved son of Charles and Margaret Barnett.

A man of deep faith, boundless warmth, and Irish charm, Frank lived a full and purposeful life, devoted to service, family, and community. Raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he graduated from St. Joseph Cathedral High School in 1954 and attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN on a basketball scholarship. Known for his athleticism and engaging spirit, Frank caught the eye of legendary football coach John Gagliardi, who recruited him for the football team. Sadly, a serious knee injury ended his athletic career, but not his enduring love for sports or his alma mater. His injury also led to a long-standing change in St. John’s football practices—no-contact scrimmages—that lasted for decades under Coach Gagliardi’s leadership.

Frank completed his education in Kitchener, Ontario, graduating in 1958, and later earned a Master of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology. He was ordained in 1962. His early career included pastoral ministry through the Diocese of Sioux Falls and social service work at Taylor Children’s Home in Racine, Wisconsin. He continued serving others through roles with the State of Wisconsin Probation Services, South Dakota Job Service, TurnAbout, and Volunteers of America.

Frank’s life was marked by advocacy, generosity, and a heart for justice. He was a founding member of St. Michael Parish in Sioux Falls, where he contributed as a parish council member, lector, music minister, CCD teacher, and active participant in outreach efforts. He also served on the board of Volunteer and Information (HELPline), and was a proud member of the Men Against Violence Coalition and Pax Christi.

In 1974, Frank married the love of his life, Sheryl Hess. Their marriage was a testament to devotion and romance—Frank gifted Sheryl a rose every day. His greatest joy came with the births of their children, Molly (1978) and Patrick (1981), and later, their beloved grandchildren. He was a steadfast and loving father, grandfather, and husband—his family always came first.

Frank will be remembered for his booming laugh, spirited conversations, and unwavering hospitality. He was a beach-lover, especially fond of winters spent in New Smyrna Beach, where he once stopped two young women in a green car and proclaimed, “That’s a leprechaun car!” His love for everything Irish was legendary—songs, stories, and jokes were always on hand. He was equally passionate about his Nebraska Cornhuskers, Minnesota Twins, and Vikings. Frank delighted in his creativity and freely shared art, poetry and songs. He faithfully honored joy and sorrow with personalized cards for family and friends. He made heartfelt toasts, sang at family reunions and greeted telephone callers with answering machine songs whose lyrics he’d carefully customized.

Frank was a man of contradictions—faithful and fun, competitive yet kind, romantic but stubborn, thoughtful and often tardy. He made both good and bad decisions, but he made them with conviction, and always with his heart wide open. Frank’s life was guided by his favorite scripture: “One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” (Psalm 27:4). He lived with the spirit of the Prayer of St. Francis and countless Irish blessings—sharing light, love, and laughter with all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted spouse: Sheryl; children: Molly (Jamie) of San Francisco, CA and Patrick (Keri) of Edison, NJ; and grandchildren: Micah, London, Nevaeh and Elorah. He is also survived by his siblings: Peter (Donna) Barnett of Solana Beach, CA, Maxine Barnett of St. Cloud, MN, Monsignor Steve Barnett of Sioux Falls, SD, Katie (John) Baldwin of Yankton, SD, Tim (Sally) Barnett of Harrisburg, SD, and Denny (Liz) Barnett of Shawnee, KS; many nieces, nephews and treasured friends. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Charles Jr. (Lenore), Margaret (Tom) Barry, Fr. Larry Barnett, and Loretta (Sam) Barada.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 4 at 5:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial Will be Thursday, June 5, at 1:00 PM at St. Michael Catholic Church.