Fr. David Starr Barrett, age 87, of Shawano, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, “because that’s what people do”. David was born on June 29, 1938, to the late Homer J. and Regina (Starr) Barrett in Green Bay. He graduated from Annunciation Grade School and Green Bay West High School in 1956. David then studied two years with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Bellville, Illinois and then six years at St. Francis Major Seminary in Milwaukee. He was ordained for the Diocese of Green Bay on May 16, 1964.

David served as an Associate Pastor at St. Joseph of Sturgeon Bay from 1964 until 1966, St. Mary in Oshkosh form 1966 until 1969, St. Mary in Kaukauna from 1969 until 1971 and then as a Chaplain at Winnebago Mental Health Institute from 1971 until 1976. While serving at Winnebago he was the founding Pastor of Good Samaritan Catholic Community in Westhaven which now is St. Raphael Parish. In June of 1976, David was appointed Pastor at St. Pius X Parish in Appleton and then in October of 1980, Pastor of St. Michael Parish in Keshena and in November of 2000, administrator of St. Francis Solanus Parish in Gresham while remaining Pastor of St. Michael Parish. He retired on July 1, 2008, but then served as Sacramental Minister at St. John Parish in Gillett and St. Michael Parish in Suring.

David was a field advocate for the Marriage Tribunal, worked many years in AODA Rehab and was Pastoral Coordinator for Shawano Hospice for a number of years. He was an avid reader, wood worker, cross-country skier and attempted to play golf. David enjoyed fishing and taught some of his Menominee friends how to fish walleye, they say it was the other way round but they lie.

David liked to challenge people in homilies by having talks to think, to question and enjoyed being challenged. He was never comfortable “being on stage” and was happy to be “just a stagehand”. David was grateful for the support and comfort of his family and friends. He had a good sense of humor which sometimes got him in trouble when some people did not get it.

David is survived by his brother, John (Diane) Barrett of Green Bay; sister, Elaine (Bernie) Vanden Berk of Green Bay; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

David is preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Short; and parents, Homer and Regina Barrett.

Services will be posted soon.

The family would like to thank the staff of Shawano Place and Moments Hospice, especially Jolene and Danielle for their care of David.