Rev. Msgr. Stephen T. Barnett
Deceased: 2025-05-23
Diocese: SIOUX FALLS
ICTE Spring: 1998
Monsignor Stephen Thomas Barnett passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, at the age of 81 in Sioux Falls, SD. He was surrounded by the compassionate care of the staff at Dougherty Hospice House and the loving presence of his cherished brother, Tim Barnett. Although other family members were not able to be there due to distance and the sudden decline in his health, we are deeply grateful that Tim was by his side. Steves’ siblings were with him in spirit and prayer during his final moments. We are also grateful to Father Chuck Cimpl for comforting Tim and being with Msgr. Steve at the hour of his death.
Born on March 6, 1944, to Margaret and Charles Barnett, Steve was the sixth of eleven children. He proudly referred to himself as “the Middle Man,” delighting in the balance of three older brothers, two older sisters, three younger brothers, and two younger sisters. This unique position in the family led him to believe he was destined to be the “boss of the little kids”; a role he embraced wholeheartedly during his childhood in the North End of Sioux Falls in the 1950s.
From an early age, Steve’s interests foreshadowed his future calling. At around 10, he began his “priestly” role, using dish towels for vestments and a dresser as an altar, with red Kool-Aid for wine and squished bread for communion hosts. His vocation deepened as he became an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, eventually serving as the head junior master of ceremonies on Holy Days.
After completing his freshman through junior years at Cathedral High School, he graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1962 as part of its inaugural class, where he was affectionately known as “Ringo.” He actively participated in football, basketball, chorus, drama, and was elected Senior Class President.
Following high school, Steve attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN, earning a degree in Philosophy in 1966. He continued his studies at St. Paul Seminary, graduating in 1970 with a Master’s degree in Theology, and in 1978, he received a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of South Dakota. During the summers of 1983-86, he attended Pope John XXIII Medical Moral Research Center in St. Louis, MO, Fordham University in New York, and the University of Notre Dame, ultimately receiving a Master’s degree in Medical Ethics.
Steve was ordained a priest on May 29, 1970, at St. Joseph Cathedral. From 1970-78 he served at St. Lambert’s Parish and as Assistant Principal at O’Gorman High School while also serving as Chaplain at the State Penitentiary from 1970-75. He was Principal of Roncalli High School in Aberdeen from1978-1982.
Msgr. Steve then began 32 years in parish ministry serving as Pastor at parishes in Pierre, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Sioux Falls Cathedral, Montrose, Humboldt, Clear Lake, Estelline, and Gary before concluding his pastoral service in Plankinton and Mt. Vernon. In addition to his duties as Pastor, he also served for 20 years as advisor to the Bishop on medical ethics. In 1996, while serving as Pastor of the Cathedral, he was honored with the title of Rt. Rev. Monsignor by Pope John Paul II, recognizing his distinguished service to the Church.
After retiring at the age of 70, he continued to assist fellow priests, stepping in as a substitute whenever needed at parishes across the diocese. He fostered a special connection with people of all ages at St. Mary’s Church in Sioux Falls, where he was a dedicated parishioner.
During his final pastoral assignment in Plankinton, Msgr. Steve welcomed Lily, a loving and loyal Dachshund who added immense joy and companionship to his life. Their bond was evident to all who witnessed their lively conversations, especially when treats were involved. Although he deeply mourned the loss of Lily in 2019, he found comfort and solace in his ministry, and in the love of family and friends.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Msgr. Steve served on various community boards, including New Beginnings Center, Capitol University Center, Mitchell Area Adjustment Training Center, Berakhah House, and Ethics Committees for Presentation Health System and Benedictine Health System.
Msgr. Steve was known for his inspirational homilies, beautiful singing, and resonant voice. He loved to laugh, to cheer on his favorite sports teams and to offer coaching advice to youth, professional athletes, and coaches alike. A gentle giant, he embodied love and compassion, especially for those who were hurting. He was a comforting presence, not only for joyful celebrations, but also in the most challenging moments of people’s lives. He had a gift for delivering a well-timed joke, and he understood that at certain times, silence and presence could be the greatest gifts.
Throughout his 55 years as a priest, Msgr. Steve touched the lives of many people through his spiritual direction, sacramental ministry, and community service. A faithful servant, he embraced his passing with peace, leaving behind a legacy of love that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Msgr. Steve was preceded in death by his beloved parents Charles and Margaret Barnett, Sr.; siblings: Charles (Lenore) Barnett, Jr., Frank (Sheryl) Barnett, Peggy (Tom) Barry, Fr. Larry Barnett, and Loretta (Sam) Barada. He is survived by siblings: Pete (Donna-Rae) Barnett, Solano Beach, CA; Maxine Barnett, Sauk Rapids, MN; Katie (John) Baldwin, Yankton, SD; Tim (Sally) Barnett, Harrisburg, SD; and Denny (Liz) Barnett, Shawnee, KS; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM, Monday, June 2 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with a Scripture Vigil at 6:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 3, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with burial at St. Michael Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. barnett-lewis.com
