Daniel L. Farrar
Daniel (Dan) was born December 1, 1946, in Milwaukee 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, setting the stage for a lifelong career protecting and sharing Wisconsin’s natural beauty managing various state parks.
After meeting in junior high but falling in love in college, on June 13, 1969, Dan married the love of his life, Kathleen Tesheneck, beginning a partnership that would span more than 56 years. . Together they built a life rich with family, faith, laughter, and adventure. Their journey took them to several communities across Wisconsin as Dan served with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The couple first lived in Burlington while Dan worked at Big Foot Beach State Park, where their daughter Deb was born. They later moved to Hartford, where he worked at Pike Lake State Park and their daughter Kris was born. The family also spent time in Cornell while Dan worked at Burnet Island State Park before eventually settling in Baraboo. There, Dan served as Park Manager at Mirror Lake State Park from 1979 until his retirement in January 2002, caring for the land and welcoming generations of visitors to one of Wisconsin’s treasured parks. 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 enjoyed hunting and fishing in every season, playing cards and games with a competitive sparkle in his eye, dancing whenever music started, cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers, and crafting gifts that carried his quiet creativity. Camping trips, dressing up for Halloween and other festivities, and the thrill of a good thrift‑store find were some of his favorite simple pleasures.
Wherever Dan went, laughter usually followed. Yet nothing meant more to him than time spent with the people he loved most—his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, and four grandchildren. Moments that brought him his greatest joy were planning and leading minute-to-win-it games for the entire family over the holidays, decorating for his annual Halloween parties, playing charades with friends and family, attending his daughter’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, plays, Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Graduations, and simply spending time together at family gatherings.
A man of deep faith and generous spirit, Dan devoted countless hours to his church and community. He was a proud member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, sang in the church choir for 50 years, and lent his voice to both the Baraboo Community Choir and the Barabrew Wisconsing Beer Choir.
Dan’s service to others was steady and heartfelt. He served on the church council, volunteered for countless funerals, delivered Meals on Wheels, called bingo at the Baraboo Nursing Home, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, and taught youth and women’s hunter safety courses with patience and pride. His life was marked by kindness, humility, and a willingness to show up wherever he was needed.
Dan cherished his friendships, including a beloved group known as the OLD FARTS (Old Ladies and Dudes Fun and Recreating Together Society), where laughter and good company were always guaranteed and new memories always made. Dan came to love the Baraboo community that blessed him with rich and sustaining friendships until his final days.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Donna Stafford and brother-in-law Ronald Stafford; his brother Jim Farrar and sister-in-law Barbara Farrar; his in-laws Albert and Agnes Tesheneck; and his son-in-law Jeff Simpson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; daughters Debra Farrar-Simpson and Kristine Mazzuca; son-in-law James Mazzuca; grandchildren Luka Simpson, Kennedy Simpson, Brandon Mazzuca, and Brooklyn Mazzuca; brother Jack Farrar and sister-in-law Cheryl Farrar; close family friends Jim, Barb, and Annie Regan; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Dan will be remembered for his warm heart, his playful spirit, his love of song, dance, and story, and the way he quietly showed up for others again and again. His 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.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Paul Lutheran Church’s Music Department
Online condolences and further information may be found at www.roseberrys.com.
It was my husband Pastor Paul Peterson and my blessing to be with Dan and Kathy often. I remember how he used to rub his hands together and laugh. Now he has joined Paul in Heaven! Praying for you all. May God hold you close. 🙏🙏🙏
My Uncle Dan was simply the best…the best dad, brother, husband, friend, and godfather. He was someone you could always count on, someone who made people feel welcome, valued, and loved. His kindness, humor, and steady presence touched so many lives, and his family meant everything to him. He showed us what it means to care deeply for others, to show up when it matters, and to live with generosity and heart.
Dan will always be remembered as being the life of the party. Ready to dress up in full costume for any holiday or occasion ! Always up for many cards games , but especially Up & Down the River which he enjoyed keeping score at , ( because the score keeper always wins you know ) Ha ! Ha !
Mike and I cherished the many fun times around the card table. There was so much laughter and joy in those memories. Dan lived a great life.