Michael Barkenhagen

Michael Everett Barkenhagen

May 26, 1952 – April 5, 2025

Michael Everett Barkenhagen—known to friends and family as “Barky”—passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, in Riverside, California, at the age of 72. A longtime resident of Norco, California, Barky lived a life defined by service, ingenuity, generosity, and deep devotion to his family and community.

Born Michael Lazarski in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was adopted by his stepfather Robert Barkenhagen II in 1966. His early life was shaped by movement and resilience, following his grandparents across the country as his grandfather worked in the aerospace industry. Barky settled in Anaheim, California, where he wrestled for Loara High School and later answered the call to service, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force as a medic during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1977 as a Staff Sergeant in Aeromedical Evacuation.

Barky was married to Christine Leaverton for 16 years, during which time they raised four children: Keith, Shannon, Aaron, and Ryan. In 1990, he married Jennifer Dennen (née McCallum), and in 1992 adopted her daughters, Annette and Jessica, whom he loved and raised as his own. Together, they created a welcoming home in Norco that became a hub for their family as well as for friends and neighbors.

Barky’s career was one of remarkable achievement and mentorship. Over 25 years at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona, CA, he earned accolades including the Navy’s prestigious Willoughby Award and the Admiral Stan Arthur Award for Logistics Excellence. He was instrumental in establishing a Center of Excellence in electronic assembly and developed technical systems like the Sunset Supply Base (SSB), lauded as a Navy best practice. In retirement, he never stopped inventing—earning his second U.S. patent in 2024 for a carbon capture system aimed at tackling the global plastic crisis.

But Barky’s truest legacy lies in the lives he touched. A tireless mentor, he helped raise his grandsons, educated neighborhood children during the COVID pandemic, built businesses with his children, and always made time for a home repair, a Scout meeting, or a long talk. He was a beloved figure in Norco’s Troop 33, a bleacher-shaking supporter of Norco High wrestling, and a man who opened his home to friends and family during regular Second Sunday dinners.

Barky is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Jennifer; his children Shannon, Aaron, Annette, Jessica, and Ryan; children-in-law Tania, Patricia, and Robert; his beloved grandchildren Emma, Malachy, Jonah, Alora, Zev, Calum, Seamus, and Mila; great-grandchild Aziah; and his ex-wife Christine. He is also survived by his siblings Kandy, Timothea, Andy, and Beth. He was preceded in death by his mother Koryne, father Robert II, siblings Patrick and Robert III, and son Keith.

A celebration of his life will be held Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the Chateau de Barkenhagen, 1379 Fifth St, Norco, CA. All are welcome to bring a dish and a story to share in the style of the family’s cherished Second Sunday dinners. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Norco High School Wrestling Team or Scout Troop 33. Donation boxes will be available at the memorial.

Barky lived as he believed—with integrity, curiosity, and compassion. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a better world, one problem solved at a time.