Daniel Farrar

1946 - 2026

Daniel L. Farrar, 79, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by family and close friends. Some people leave their mark quietly-through kindness, laughter, and a lifetime spent caring for the people and places they love. Dan was one of those people. His life was defined by faith, family, service, and a deep love for the outdoors. Dan was born December 1, 1946, to Donald and Elizabeth (Hilmer) Farrar and grew up in West Allis, graduating from West Allis Central High School in 1964. He later earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point in January 1969, beginning a lifelong career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources managing state parks. After meeting in junior high but falling in love in college, Dan married the love of his life, Kathleen Tesheneck, on June 13, 1969. Together they built a life rich with family, faith, laughter, and adventure for more than 56 years. Their journey took them to several Wisconsin communities as Dan served at Big Foot Beach State Park in Burlington, Pike Lake State Park in Hartford, and Burnet Island State Park in Cornell. In 1979 the family settled in Baraboo, where Dan served as Park Manager at Mirror Lake State Park until his retirement in January 2002. For him, the woods, lakes, and trails were more than a job-they were part of who he was.

Dan had a way of filling life with joy. He loved hunting and fishing in every season, playing cards and games with a competitive sparkle, dancing whenever music began, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, camping, dressing up for Halloween, and finding treasures at thrift stores.

Yet nothing meant more to him than time with the people he loved. Family gatherings, celebrations, and cheering on his daughters and four grandchildren brought him his greatest joy.

A man of deep faith and generous spirit, Dan sang in the church choir for 50 years and was active with the Baraboo Community Choir and the Barabrew Wisconsing Beer Choir. He was also part of a beloved group of friends known as the OLD FARTS (Old Ladies and Dudes Fun and Recreating Together Society), where laughter and good company were always guaranteed. Dan also served on church council, volunteered at funerals, delivered Meals on Wheels, called bingo at the Baraboo Nursing Home, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, and taught hunter safety courses.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Donna (Ronald) Stafford and Jim (Barbra) Farrar; and son-in-law Jeff Simpson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; daughters Debra Farrar-Simpson and Kristine (James) Mazzuca; grandchildren Luka and Kennedy Simpson and Brandon and Brooklyn Mazzuca; brother Jack (Cheryl) Farrar; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Baraboo, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Krszjzaniak and the care Dan received at the Baraboo Hospice House.

Dan's legacy and love lives on in the hearts of the family he adored, in the laughter of his grandchildren, in the community he served and strengthened, in the natural places he helped protect, and in the many memories shared around campfires, card tables, and other gathering spaces.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul's Music Department. Online condolences may be shared at www.roseberrys.com.