Mike (Mihaly) was born to Barnai Janos and Budai Margit on July 21, 1937 in Erdokurt, Hungary, 77 years ago. He escaped during the Revolution in 1956 and found his way to Chicago where he met and married me, Pauline Zuczek, 51 years ago. Mike was a master carpenter who took great joy and pride in his work. He had a true love of nature and enjoyed traveling to remote places with our little trailer. Mike was kind and giving with a unique sense of humor; but most of all, he was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Although he has left us behind, he'll always be with us: Wife, Pauline; son, Adam Barnai of Boulder; daughter, Amanda Frederick of Louisville; grandchildren Leif and Sage; and sister, Palik Jozsefne of Erdokurt, Hungary.
A heartfelt "thank you" goes to all who helped us on this ten year journey following Mike's stroke - friends, doctors, nurses, support groups and, especially, the therapists who gave so much of themselves to us, always bringing joy to Mike and sunshine into our lives. With support from hospice. Mike left this world as he entered it - peacefully, at home, surrounded by those who love him. We've been truly blessed.