Cody J. Barker's Story

Cody J. Barker, 17, of Shiocton, Wis., took his life on Sept. 13.
Barker attended Shiocton High School, where he was active in choir. In August he attended a seminar and planned to start a gay/straight alliance at his school. He held a job at Fleet Farm in Appleton.
Maria Peeples, Barker’s peer mentor through GSA for Safe Schools, said he was a passionate activist for all students, especially those, “targeted or ostracized for their sexual orientation or their gender identity and expression. … He really cared about making schools a safe place for students. That wasn’t always his own experience with school.”
According to a Web posting, Baker loved history, James Bond movies and Lady Gaga. He was described as an “extremely selfless” young man who enjoyed spending time with his friends, tending his rose plants, biking and reading.
“It’s a terrible shock, not just because we love and miss Cody, but because it’s a reminder that there’s still so much work we still need to do,” Peeples said.
Barker is survived by his parents, James and Darla Barker, sister Casey Barker and numerous family members and friends.
Funeral services were held at St. Denis Catholic Church on Sept.