The funeral service for Michael John Baynes of Minneapolis will be held on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 2 p.m., at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland, MN. Father Swamii will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Church prior to the service. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in New Richland. A celebration of his life will be held at City Hall following the interment. Friedrich-Bonnerup Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Michael Baynes passed away on July 6, 2012, in Minneapolis. He was 55 years old.

Michael was born on May 25, 1957 in Waseca, MN to Thomas and Joan (Munsch) Baynes. He was raised in New Richland, and attended New Richland-Hartland High School. After graduation, he received his undergraduate degree from Winona State University, and spent time working at the Wisconsin Badger Camp before going on to earn his Masters at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. After earning his masters, he worked at various colleges, but found his home at Saint Catherine University, where he was the Associate Director of Student Life on the Minneapolis campus and  Adjunct Professor.  He believed strongly in the potential of his students and was committed to giving them his very best.

Michael enjoyed traveling, walking around the lakes of Minneapolis, visiting new restaurants, and had a vast knowledge of classic television. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Michael was very devoted to his beloved mother Joanie, and shared a special bond with his little sister, Kathleen.

Michael’s message of hope and peace was something he lived, shared, and taught.

He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Baynes; niece, Brianne Baynes; and godchild, Dan Maras.

He is survived by his mother, Joan Baynes of New Richland; siblings, Dan Baynes of New Richland, Joe (Lisa) Baynes of Prescott, AZ, Terry (Karen) Baynes of Kiester, MN, John (Karen) Baynes of Minneapolis, and Kathleen (Jay Meehl) Baynes of Minneapolis; nieces and nephews, Ryan Baynes, Dylan Baynes, Jimmy Frey, and Lindsay Frey; niece and godchild, Faith Baynes; godchild, Gavin Berg, and many other loving relatives and friends.