David R. Baran

1944 - 2016

Baran, David R.

A good friend of many, David R. Baran, 71, Green Bay, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016 after struggling with emphysema and cancer.

He was born on June 30, 1944 in Pulaski to the late Adam and Sylvia (Demeny) Baran. Dave worked for the Boilermakers Union, welding for several years. He drove truck for Foreway Express until they closed, and retired from Yellow Freight in 2001. On October 16, 1993, Dave married Colleen Gingle.

Dave treasured his family and friends. He loved to socialize and make people laugh. He was known to stretch the truth here and there. Dave's passion in life was his collector cars. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Dave loved sharing his stories with them. He enjoyed the time spent with his nieces and nephews. Dave loved his dog, Butch and his cat, Bubba. They were his entourage. He also enjoyed socializing at Cropsey's on State. Dave and Colleen were big Jeopardy fans. Their request was don't call or come over during Jeopardy.

Dave especially cherished his old friendships going back as far as kindergarten. He was proud to have remained friends and stayed in contact with so many people, especially the Pissant boys from his old neighborhood. Dave wants to thank Harry for introducing him to so many of his car friends. They became his friends also. He also wants to thank Tom for organizing the garage sessions.

Dave is survived by his wife of 22 years, Colleen (Gingle) Baran; his two sons: Brett (Pam) Baran and their son Dax, and Pam's son, Drae, of Howard; and Andy (Brandy) Baran and their children, Jade, Asia, Rio, Jacy, Jett, and Cole, of Green Valley; two sisters, Patricia Boehm, Pulaski and Linda (Al) Ullman, Howard; four sisters-in-law, Delores (Mitch) Luberda, Billie Lou Baran, Cindy (Steve) Drought, Susan (Dan) Clover; one brother-in-law, James (Christina) Gingle; many nieces, nephews and friends. He is further survived by his children from his first marriage: his daughter, Jodi Neuman and her children, Tia and Tyler; and his son, Rory (Deysi) Lasee and his children, Zack and Dylan; Zack's son, Liam and Dylan's daughter, Olivia. He is also survived by the Hoeft family, Karen (Dave) Orienti, Don (Kathy) Hoeft, Sandra (Steve) Duley, Hollis (Linda) Hoeft, Mark Hoeft and Mary Hammen.

Dave was preceded in death by Brett and Andy's mother, Donna (Hoeft) Baran and her parents, Irvin and Annabelle Hoeft; Colleen's parents, Jim and Jeannette Gingle; brothers, Emil Baran, Adam Baran Jr., Donald Baran; sisters, Genevieve (Ervin) Liss, Virginia (Justin) Kabacinski, and Lorraine (Warren) Pouwels; brothers-in-law, Norman Boehm, and David Hoeft.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday. The Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Rev. Steve Fewell officiating. Burial will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Dave and Colleen would like to thank Dr. Potts, Pat Polfus, Joan and the staff at Prevea Sleep and Respiratory for their good care over the years. Their gratitude is also extended to his Bellin Cancer team: Dr. Tahsildar, Dr. Pan, Dr. Munson, Dr. James, Patti Marquardt, and all the nurses Dave liked to tease. The family would like to thank all of their friends and neighbors for their support during Dave's illness. Thank you to Unity Hospice for your special care and for responding quickly to our early Sunday morning call to sign Dave up.

"Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was."