Michael James Barber, 64, of De Pere, died peacefully at home Monday June 25, 2012. The son of Loretta (Christian) Barber and the late Donald Barber was born July 16, 1947 in Green Bay. Michael graduated from Lincoln School, West De Pere High School, St. Norbert College and received his Master's Degree from Ball State College in 1974. While in college he was a proud member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. Michael was a director and professor of music. He was very accomplished in the music world; he sang and played with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians (1970-72). During those years, he became close friends with Buddy Rogers, Peter Lynn Hayes and Richard Arlen, and performed for many celebrities, including Bob Hope. While at Ball State, Michael directed the Ball State Chorale. From 1975 to 1996, he enjoyed a storied career as Music Director at MATC, Madison, where he started his New College Singers and a Community Show Choir. Some of the accomplishments he had with those groups included performing at Disneyland, world tours with the group, and singing for Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. In 1978, he was awarded with the Outstanding Young Men of America Award. Mr. Barber was 32nd Degree Mason, directed the Zor Shrine Chanters to a national championship. His groups performed at the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts. He was an accomplished director, including Man of La Mancha, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and 1776. In addition to a directing career, he also performed in Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Man of La Mancha, and West Side Story. He was the director of the St. John's Lutheran Church Choir of De Pere. He was very proud of his work with the "Smiling Voices" at ASPIRO. He played baritone with the Allouez Village Band and sang with the Dudley Birder Chorale. In addition to his music career, he loved the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. The family includes his mother Loretta (Christian) Barber, daughter Kelly (Brian) Cunningham, sons Bryan (Layla) and Sean (Billie Jo), grandchildren Colin and Hayden Barber and Ruby Cunningham. In addition, survivors include Loretta's family; Donald (Geri) Christian, Jeff (Rachael) Christian, Steve (Mary) Christian, Scott (Laurie) Christian, Craig Christian, Kim (Rob) Devine. In addition, Michael had many wonderful lifelong friends including Steve Wilmet and Terry Holmes. He is preceded in death by his father Donald Barber, his uncle Bill Christian, and his cousin Paul Christian. Family and friends may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME in De Pere from 4:00 to 8:00pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012. Visitation will continue at St. John's Lutheran Church, De Pere, after 10:00am on Friday until time of service. Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday at the church with Rev. Brian W. Cain and Rev. Andrea L. Cain officiating with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Barber family.