Daniel Lee Byrnes

Daniel Lee Byrnes, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Dan was born on May 3rd, 1944, in Cameron, Wisconsin, to Kenny and Betty Byrnes. Through school, you would have found Dan on every football field and basketball court, lighting up the scoreboard. If he wasn't playing sports, he was hunting and fishing. Growing up in Wisconsin, he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. Fishing and hunting brought him joy and peace, and he was most content surrounded by nature.

Upon graduation, Dan joined the Marines. While in the corps, he proudly served as a Lance Corporal and served his country in the Vietnam War. He held true to the values taught by the Marine Corps throughout his life-honor, courage, and commitment. He served with deep pride. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fidelis.

While in the service, he met and married the love of his life, Kathy Middleton. They moved to Bloomer, and for 60 years, they built a life together and raised their three children. His favorite job was being a husband, father, and grandfather. Above all else, he loved rooting for his children and grandchildren. He was their biggest fan, always found on the sidelines cheering for them. If Dan wasn't with his family at home, he was at his cabin in Minong. He and his wife, Kathy, built the cabin from the ground up, and it was their home away from home. Through every season, they spent 35 years making memories hiking, hunting, fishing, and sharing stories by the campfire.

Dan worked at Kell Container in Chippewa Falls for 30 years. After retirement, he found his new hobby, building beautiful, handmade furniture. You could always stop by Dan's garage to find him covered in sawdust and ready to visit. The garage was his place where he made everyone feel happy with his quick wit and jokes, and safe in his presence because of his kind heart. He had a rare gift for making people feel accepted just as they were, and that gift will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Now at peace, he has joined his beloved wife Kathy once more. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the values he stood for, and the family who will carry his memory forward always.

Dan will be greatly missed by his sons Michael Byrnes of Eau Claire, Kelly Byrnes of St. Cloud; and daughter, Kim (Edward) Widiker of Chetek; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brother, Pat (Jane) Byrnes of Kallispel, MT; sister, Peg (Gaylord) Burdick of Loves Park, IL; sister, Connie (Mike) Losey of Chetek, WI; sister, Kari Cunningham and Brian McFaul of New Auburn, WI; sister, Darcey (Rob) Aumann of Cameron, WI, and many in-laws, cousins, and extended family and friends. He will also be missed by his very special friends on Riggs Street.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Byrnes; brother, Mitch Byrnes; son, Rory Byrnes; mother, Betty Byrnes; father, Kenny Byrnes; and father-in-law Bernard Middleton.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 31st at Thompson Funeral Home, 1806 17th Ave, Bloomer, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 11:00 - 1:00 with the funeral service following. Please join Dan's family in a celebration of life dinner at the White Pine Pavilion after the service. Dan will be buried at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial in Spooner with full military honors at a later date. Any plants or flowers honoring Dan can be sent to the funeral home.