Racine – Michael "Mick" Barton, age 70, passed away peacefully at Ascension All Saints Hospital early Friday morning, May 8, 2026.

A lifetime resident, Mick was born in Racine, WI on October 15, 1955 to Michael Zold and Dorothy Mae Barton. As a toddler, Mick's mom noticed a discoloration in his left eye. Thank God she was proactive and had it looked at immediately. It turned out to be an aggressive malignant tumor that would have spread to his brain. Mick did lose his left eye…..but Mom saved his life which gave him an additional 68 years.  He was a graduate of William Horlick High School. On April 19, 1975 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Mick was united in marriage with the love of his life, Joy Louise (nee: Holterman).

With a profound work ethic, Mick worked for over 40 years at Allesee Orthodontic Appliance, Inc. where he established many lifelong friendships with his work family. Never one to sit still, he enjoyed rummaging at Seven Mile Fair, softball, trying different restaurants in search of the best fish fry, never missed playing the meat raffle at the annual St. Rita Festival, fishing & ice skating on the Root River in his younger years, was quite intrigued with mastering a science project, and, most importantly, always looked forward to a relaxing ride on his motorcycle with Joy.

Surviving are his loving wife of 51 years, Joy; son, Steven Michael (fiance, Karen Day) Barton; daughter, Christine Barton; grandchildren, John (Cassie Fournier) Beesley, Tony (Sabrina Siepler) Beesley and Nathan Rempala; brother, Steven George (Leesa) Barton; sister, Gail (Dan) Miller; mother-in-law, Sally Holterman; sisters-in-law, Robin Hagen and Amy Davis; brother-in-law, Bob Melby; special aunt, Shirley (the late Don) Gillette; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.Mick was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Dorothy Mae Koke; and sister-in-law, Shelly Melby.

A memorial service celebrating Mick's life will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm. A dinner reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. In memory of Mick, memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff at Ascension All Saints ICU for the compassionate care and support given in Mick's time of need.