Daniel Barman

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Cross Plains

I’ll always remember my friend as someone who carried kindness and genuine warmth wherever he went. Conversations with him were never small talk—they were meaningful, thoughtful, and always left you walking away with a smile. (I can still hear him say "I'm just telling ya") He loved to share the "good stuff" from his garden: fresh vegetables, jars of canned fruits and veggies, and of course, sweet corn that somehow tasted better because it came from him. (I stand by this- Dan had "THE- Best" sweet corn) Some of my favorite moments were the simple ones—having a beer together in the driveway or up at the Dorf Haus Supper Club, laughing and talking as the evening rolled on. Other times, we’d ride four-wheelers (or tresspass, depends on how you look at it) searching the woods for mushrooms or cutting wood, enjoying the kind of stuff and going around that felt like a mission for the day or afternoon. I can still picture him in the summer with his straw hat, or in the cooler months, walking around in his flannel shirt. He was both larger than life in size and in spirit, with a presence that filled the space and knowledge that seemed endless- (I'M JUST TELLING YA) He always knew something about everything, and he was never too busy to share it. Most of all, I’ll remember the friendship—steady, generous, and true. He made the days feel special, stopped by often, not always at the right time, but hey, it's Dan and he was my good friend, so I wouldnt mind at all..he always shared info and insight, and that’s a rare gift. I called him."The Mayor of Enchanted Valley" and I am truly and deeply saddened by him leaving us.

God truly blessed me with both a neighbor and a friend in Dan Barman. Over the years, his kindness and generosity were abundant, just like the bounty from his gardens. His hands were always full when he arrived, and our hearts (and bellies!) were always full when he left. It was a rare occasion that he would come by without some treat - sweet or savory, hand-picked or homegrown - and it was even rarer that he came by without sharing a funny story or a nugget of wisdom. Dan introduced me to many things - neighbors, friends, various area supper clubs, gardening, farm life, and endless political perspectives that never ceased to captivate and amuse me. I'll never forget the summer day in 2020 that Dan came up the drive carrying seed garlic for me to dry out and plant. I will always think of Dan when I plant garlic in the fall, harvest the scapes in the spring, and dig the bulbs in summer. Dan made life on Enchanted Valley so much richer and I am truly blessed to have been given the gift to know him and call him a friend.

Mary, i am so sorry for your loss. I only met Dan a couple of times, he was very welcoming.

The Toons plant this tree as a way to remember Dans numerous contributions to the world as he traveled his life path. Our condolences all the family.