Lyle Dean Barsness
August 06, 1929 - April 20, 2017
Obituary
WAUNAKEE-Lyle Dean "Deanie" Barsness, age 87, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at home. Dean was born Aug. 6, 1929, in Vermont Township, Wis., to Albert and Marie (Punswick) Barsness. He was the eldest of five siblings in a very loving Norwegian family. Dean met Betty Schulenberg, daughter of Lynch and Maude, in 1945 at Black Earth High School and they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last fall. Their life's adventure began in Madison, Wisconsin, where Dean worked for National Guardian Life Insurance for the next 45 years. Dean and Betty raised four children in uptown Madison before retiring from NGL and moving to the Township of Springfield in 1992. Dean fully enjoyed his retirement, taking trips with Betty and his family, tending to his well-groomed yard with a toothpick firmly between his teeth. Dean was an avid reader, with a great love of music. A poet at heart, he would surprise you with an impromptu poem or a beautiful sketch as he was quite the artist. Dean's interest in aviation began early in life, reading about planes and taking flying lessons. Dean leaves this world well loved and we will miss his humor and carefree personality. Dean was the dear father of David (Sherri), Jeffrey (Marjorie), Julie (Scott Wempner), and Daniel (Pam). Dear brother of Beverly (Tom Westphal), Marilyn (Wayne Ward), James, and Richard (Sue); proud grandfather of Steven, Wendy (Chad), Kyle, and Leah; and great-grandfather of Devon and Emma. A visitation will be held from 12 noon to 3:30 pm on Sunday, April 23, 2017, at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton, with a short service immediately following.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
Events
Visitation
Sun Apr 23, 2017 @ 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Lyle have been shared yet.
Memories
MB
Marjorie Barsness
Other •
So very thankful to have been able to join your family. You made me feel so loved and welcomed from the very first day. I will miss you and your wonderful spirit. Always the quietest man in the house, yet had the presence of a giant.
A
AnnieB
Other •
Dear Barsness Family,
I would like to offer my personal condolences to the family, I hope that you will be able find strength in God’s promises at John 5:28, 29 and Isaiah 26:19.
L
Linda
Other •
Betty and family I am so sorry to hear about Lyle my heart and prayers are with you. Linda Knptt
CP
Carol Pruess
Other •
Lyle always had a smile and a pleasant greeting for you at NGL. I worked at NGL for the last few years before he retired and it was a pleasure to know him. My sympathy and prayers to his family.
JW
Joel Ward
Other •
Dean will be missed greatly by all who knew him, especially those of us fortunate enough to have called him "Uncle." I also know how much my mother loved her big brother. He meant the world to her. In her place, I send her love to everyone. Reading the obituary I couldn't help but smile thinking of Dean with a toothpick in his mouth. I won't forget that. I'll also never forget how he made lovely Aunt Betty laugh. I can hear her laughter now. A man who can do that is a good man. Uncle Dean was a good man and all of our love and sympathy go out to everyone at this time. Love to all.
JF
Julia Francis
Other •
Condolences to Betty, Dave, Jeff, Julie & Dan from our Florida home. So sorry to hear of Lyle's passing. From the lower level of the old NGL HQ to the big house next door he cared diligently for the buildings and keep things running, always with a smile, and groomed Dan to keep it going. RIP. Spence & Julie.