Madison- Daniel “Dan” Bennett Baer passed into eternal life Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, the day after his 71st birthday, with his family by his side. He was born to parents, Richard and Anne Baer.

In 2013 Dan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which marked the start of his decade long battle. Additionally, he had major heart surgery in April of 2023. He kept his humor through it all. He was a kind and gentle soul that will be missed dearly.

Dan was a swimmer his whole life, from the West Side Swim Club, to West High School, to UW La Crosse, to the local YMCA where he swam laps weekly up until the end. Dan also loved to go on daily walks with his dogs, Benson, Wilson and grand pup, Yogi. Dan was an avid Brewers, Packers, and Badgers fan. He loved to watch sports with his sons, listen to games on the radio on the back deck, and to tailgate with friends and family. He was the grill master for these gatherings. Dan loved to be active when he was younger. He liked to play volleyball, throw horseshoes, and go golfing with his sons. Dan always looked forward to annual family events; the Baer/Scharch family picnic, the Zirkel family euchre tournament, the summer camping trip with family and friends, and the fall pheasant hunt with his friends.

Dan was a family man to his core. He married the love of his life, Linda, in 1987. Together they had their pride and joy in their sons, Buddy and Randy. Dan was at every one of his sons’ events. He never missed an opportunity to drive them to all their sporting events with a MapQuest printout in hand (he claims he never needed them, but just in case). He was there to celebrate their college graduations, Buddy from UW-Madison and Randy from Upper Iowa.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Anne; his brother, Ray; and his best friend, George. Daniel is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Linda; his loving sons, Buddy and Randy; siblings, Barbara McGee, Mary Kay (David) Hall, Molly Hoger, Casey (Meg) Baer, Andrew (Kelly) Baer and Kitty (Rick) Schefelker; in-laws, Genny Zirkel, Rob Zirkel, Judy Zirkel, Laurie (Jeff) Zirkel Loshek and Amy (April Paul) Zirkel; god-children, Heather and Tony; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday.

Daniel and family want to send a special thank you to: Mike, Kris and Jack, Elaine, all his Agrace HospiceCare nurses, and everyone who took time to visit him while he was in the care of Heritage Senior Living.

Dan’s personal message to family and friends, “Thanks for the memories.”

Donations in Dan’s name may be made to the American Red Cross, Agrace HospiceCare or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Daniel Bennett Baer

December 30, 1952 - December 31, 2023

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