Barnes, Todd Michael On April 7, 2024, we lost our friend, mentor, confidant, artist, pianist, consultant, executive, TV Producer, TV Anchor, orator, and author, way too soon at age 56. A guy who filled our world with laughter and had the wisdom and a zest for living that was insurmountable as he sought knowledge and used his intelligence to dip into every issue that made one learn, grow, laugh, or cry. That is not to say he never experienced or encountered problems, but he stood his ground and utilized his storage of wisdom to continue learning. He would probably say, "Trouble brings experience and experience brings wisdom". Todd Michael Barnes of Minneapolis and Woodbury, born March 24, 1968, was adopted as a young child by Reverend Walter and Barbara Barnes. Along with his adoptive brother Tim, he spent his early years in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois before the Barnes Family settled in Minneapolis. It was Minnesota where he developed and applied his incredible talents and built a successful career that spanned the widest spot on the Mississippi River; his volume of work included youth programming to grant writing, executive positions with non-profits, emceeing at important community events, and so much more. His extraordinary bucket of ideas was never empty. He owned the Equity News Network and collaborated production with colleagues Lewis " Lewiee Blaze" McCaleb and Louis Michael McCaleb; together they shared health information and healthcare access with thousands of Minnesotans through the COVID plague and into the future. Last year Todd wrote a book "Deconstruction Zone" which can be purchased on Amazon. Todd was a loyalist who made a new friend and captured a new hobby every week. Among his most treasured destinations were his trips to visit his adoptive paternal grandparents in rural lowa, visiting his adoptive father in Chicago, and spending long weekends and holidays at the Trebtoske cabin in Cumberland, Wisconsin. Since childhood, he considered himself a member of the Trebtoske Family who served as his human laptop to the end. Todd's most interesting hobby was collecting friends and keeping them forever. For the past three years, Todd endured kidney dialysis while waiting for an organ donor. His deep faith and service as an elder at Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church carried him through his most difficult storm; it was during dialysis that he experienced cardiac arrest and passed away five days later at the hospital. Members of his extended adoptive family and a host of friends honored Todd with a beautiful memorial service on May 11, 2024, at Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church. Todd was preceded in death by his adoptive grandparents, parents, and his adoptive brother, Tim. He is survived by an aunt, cousins, and a myriad of friends and Godchildren whom he challenged and taught through love, heart, and soul to achieve their goals. He moved on to a more graceful place and we know he will be busy walking around heaven every day. Rest dear friend: YES, we miss you; "From Trauma to Triumph". Written by Michelle Trebtoske and Mona H Moede.

Published on June 2, 2024