Michael Joseph Barth, age 43, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Michael’s Liturgy of Word Service will be at 1 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2025 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Deacon Ross Reiter presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place in Spring at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Balta.
Michael was born in Dickinson on November 16, 1981 to parents Mary (Schaan) Barth and David Barth. Michael was the oldest of three boys. Andrew (born 1983) and Schaan (born 1989). As a child, Michael was a sweet, loving boy with bright eyes and a large smile. In school, Michael enjoyed history and reading, as well as playing basketball. Michael had a great ear for music, and he passed along his love of music to his brothers. When they were boys, Michael was the undisputed leader and champion of his brothers, leading them on BB gun hunting expeditions, fishing trips to the Balta Dam, and as much mischief as his mother and grandma, Regardia Schaan, would allow.
Michael graduated from Dickinson High School in 2000 and later attended college at the University of North Dakota and Dickinson State University with an AA degree in University Studies. As he grew older into his early 20s, Michael suffered from severe mental illness. However, despite this, Michael never lost his sense of joy for life, especially his love of the outdoors and fishing. Michael’s mother, Mary, was especially devoted to Michael, and they spent many evenings together fishing at the Dickinson Dike or Patterson Lake together.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Pius Schaan, Regardia Schaan, and Joseph Barth. Michael is survived by his mother, Mary Barth; father, David (Liz) Barth; brothers, Andrew (Num) Barth, and Schaan (Rachel) Barth; niece, Hannah; nephew, John; grandma, Jean Barth; his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and other loved ones.
Michael will always be loved and remembered by his friends and family. We ask that you not only pray for Michael, but all those who suffer from mental illness. We take great comfort that, in death, Michael is now free from disease and suffering, and that Christ, the Great Physician, forgives and heals.
