Michael Joseph Baines

Michael Joseph Baines was born on September 21, 1944 in Omaha, Nebraska to Bert and Mildred (Vlcan) Baines. He grew up in Omaha where he attended Holy Cross grade school and graduated from Omaha Creighton Prep High School in 1963. Michael attended UNO and Metro Tech where he received his certification in refrigeration. As a young adult, Michael enjoyed fishing and lifting weights. His first job was at Kilpatrick’s at the Center Mall during high school. Michael enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1965 and served his country for over two and a half years. Michael married Elizabeth Murrow in 1973 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska and they were blessed with a daughter Laura Marie. Michael lived in Valley before moving to Fremont in 2007. Michael worked for a short while at Merwald and Sons in Omaha. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing in the music ministry at St. John’s Catholic Church in Valley and visiting nursing homes in Fremont to read scriptures to the residents. Michael was very conscious of his health, often taking long walks and swimming regularly at the Y in Fremont. He always looked for ways to be of service and delighted in random acts of kindness to friends and strangers especially where he could lend a helping hand financially. Michael purchased and gave away rosaries, Christian music CD’s, books and pamphlets. He was proud of his service in the Coast Guard and was a member of the American Legion in Fremont, Nebraska. Michael was a devout man and a prolific writer – his favorite form of prayer was writing his conversations with the Lord. He dearly loved his daughter and could always be heard leaving you with his standard “God Bless You”. His many struggles in his life always moved him to trust God more, rather than into despair. He took up his cross with profound trust in His God. Michael passed away on Monday, July 21, 2014 at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska with his family at his side at the age of 69 years and 10 months. He was preceded in death by his father Bert and brothers Denny and Mark. Michael is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Laura and Jeff Cisar of Shenandoah Junction, WV; 2 grandchildren Katie and Emily; mother Mildred Baines of Omaha; six brothers and three sisters; Kathy (Bill) Kizer; Margaret (Dan) Schomer; John (Vicki) Baines; Denise (Nick) Thelen and Kenny (Brigitte) Baines all of Omaha; Bob (Linda) Baines of El Dorado, KS; B.J. (Lisa) Baines of Centennial, CO; Frank (Sherry) Baines of Glenwood, IA and Kevin Baines of Foristell, MO; numerous nieces and nephews .

Michael Joseph Baines

September 21, 1944 - July 21, 2014