Michael M. Barker, 45, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 2, 2012, in Ironwood, following an apparent heart attack in his home at 12011 N. Rintala Rd., Town of Carey, Hurley, Wis.      He was born Nov. 22, 1966, in Ashland, Kentucky, son of the late Joel Barker and Darlene (Santini) Thiesfeldt, and came to Hurley at the age of five. He graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1985 and went on to attend DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago, prior to receiving an Associate of Science degree from Gogebic Community College in 1988. Additionally, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 1990 and also received credits towards a Master of Science degree in Biostatistics from  the University of Minnesota-Duluth.      Throughout Mike's life, he pursued many career choices, including research assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Superior/Fisheries Department, general manager of Netz Glove Factory in Pence and Ashland, Wis., instructor of Mathematics and Biology at Gogebic Community College, Aquatic Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison/Limnology (Freshwater Science) Department, Town of Carey Clerk, and owner of Peninsula Granite & Marble Co. in Ironwood. Most recently, he owned and operated MCC Contractors, a nationwide satellite communications company, with his wife, ElDonna. This venture gave them the opportunity to travel the U.S. and see many places together.      An avid outdoorsman, Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, snowmobiling and downhill skiing. He also loved woodworking and carpentry. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his children and grandson.      On Oct. 1, 2005, he married ElDonna Lancaster in Hurley. She survives.      Also surviving are a son, Erik Barker, Hurley; three daughters, Jessalyn Barker, Hurley, Jennifer Witt, Omro, Wis., and Destinee Witt, Montello, Wis.; grandson, Leevi Walker, Montello; two brothers, Jody Barker (Cathy McPhee), Orlando, Fla., and Daniel Barker; a sister, Cheryl (Brian) Newell, Dunnellon, Fla.; numerous aunts and uncles, including Dan and Kathy Santini, Hurley; niece, Kelly Backlund, Duluth, Minn.; nephews, Michael Backlund, Arizona, and Jody Backlund, Florida; and numerous cousins and brothers-and-sisters-in-law.      Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Lucas Barker, in infancy.      Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 7, at 3 p.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 1 p.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with Larry Oehlerking, parish assistant at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ironwood, officiating.      Cremation will follow.      Interment will be private.      In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given for a memorial scholarship fund to be established at the Hurley K-12 School District in Michael Barker's name.      To view Mike's obituary online and offer condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.