Daniel L. "Dan" Farrar

Daniel L. Farrar, 79, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by family and close friends. Dan lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and a deep love for the outdoors. He left his mark quietly through kindness, laughter, and a lifetime spent caring for the people and places he loved.

Born December 1, 1946, in Milwaukee to Donald and Elizabeth (Hilmer) Farrar, Dan grew up in West Allis and graduated from West Allis Central High School in 1964. He earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point in January 1969. That same year, on June 13, he married the love of his life, Kathleen Tesheneck, after first meeting in junior high and falling in love in college. Their marriage spanned more than 56 years and took them to several Wisconsin communities as Dan built a career with the Department of Natural Resources. Their daughter Debra was born while they lived in Burlington near Big Foot Beach State Park, and daughter Kristine arrived during their time in Hartford at Pike Lake State Park. The family also lived in Cornell near Brunet Island State Park before settling in Baraboo in 1979, where Dan served as Park Manager at Mirror Lake State Park until his retirement in January 2002. For Dan, the woods, lakes, and trails were far more than a job; they were part of who he was.

Dan filled life with joy. He loved hunting and fishing, playing cards and games with a competitive sparkle, dancing whenever music played, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and crafting thoughtful gifts. He cherished camping trips, dressing up for Halloween, thrift store finds, and above all, time with his family. He delighted in planning minute-to-win-it games for holiday gatherings, hosting Halloween parties, playing charades, attending his daughters’ and grandchildren’s sporting events, recitals, plays, and sacraments, and simply being together. A man of deep faith and generous spirit, he sang in the church choir for 50 years, participated in the Baraboo Community Choir and Barabrew Wisconsin Beer Choir, served on the church council, volunteered for funerals, delivered Meals on Wheels, called bingo at the nursing home, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, and taught hunter safety courses. He was a proud member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and treasured his friendships, especially with the group affectionately known as the OLD FARTS.

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, playful spirit, love of song and story, and the steady, humble way he showed up for others. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the laughter of his grandchildren, the community he strengthened, the natural places he protected, and the countless memories shared around campfires and card tables.