Daniel Fay

Daniel Fay

June 21, 1960 - September 12, 2025

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Obituary

McFarland - Daniel K. Fay passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the age of 65. He was born on June 21, 1960, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, the beloved son of Kenneth C. Fay and Alice A. (Jensen) Fay. Dan left this world much too soon. Throughout his life, he was a beacon of strength and resilience, embodying integrity, compassion, empathy, and kindness. He left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dan graduated from DeForest High School in 1978 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Engineering Mechanics. He had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed playing guitar. After a traumatic brain injury in 2004, he found healing and joy through writing and performing his own music at venues around the area.

Dan made his home on a farmette, where he found peace in nature and the companionship of his horses and dogs. His dogs, especially, were dear to him—he considered them his children. Known for his sense of humor and endless curiosity, Dan loved tinkering, taking things apart, and putting them back together just to understand how they worked. Above all, he cherished time with his friends and family, gathering with them as often as he could.

Dan is survived by his siblings, Steve Fay, Pam Drury, and Terry (Robin Ackley-Fay) Fay; nieces and nephews, Zach, Tori, Alex, Megan, Joey, Libby, Sam (Nicole), and Nikki; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Alice Fay, and his companion, Suzy.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 6924 Lake Rd, DeForest. A visitation will take place at the funeral home from 1:00pm until the time of service. To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Rd
608-846-4250

Events

27
Visitation
Sat Sep 27, 2025 @ 1:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home • 6924 Lake Rd, Deforest, WI 53532
Get Directions
27
Memorial Service
Sat Sep 27, 2025 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home • 6924 Lake Rd, Deforest, WI 53532
Get Directions

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Memories

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Daniel
J
Jack
Friend •
my prayers for you and your family
K
Karen
Friend •
Dear Danny, It's unbelievable to be writing this. I "inherited" a good friend when Eugene and I started dating in high school. I loved your sense of humor and how you could tell a story, with dimples on full display! You were dealt your share of not-so-good things in this life but I never heard you complain. You always kept going, moving forward no matter how difficult the situation. You will never be forgotten. I know you're in a better place.
DB
Dan Beck
Classmate •
I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember being in scouts when his Dad was Scoutmaster and then again wrestling with him when I was a freshman and hevwas a senior. I remember him being a really nice guy to a new freshman wrestler.
MS
Mary Salzwedel Siebert
Classmate •
I think I was mostly known to Danny as Jack’s little sister, however, we did have fun, driving Mr. Nicholson crazy in geometry.
E
Eugene
Friend •
Dan, I'm heartbroken upon hearing about your tragic passing. I'm going to miss our great, lengthy conversations, going to get gyros at Parthenon's and laughing about the fun we had in high school. I remember the good times in your Willys pickup with everyone in the back, driving around the square in Madison. I enjoyed listening to you playing your guitar and the music you created. You were a true friend that will never be forgotten. RIP my friend. Until we meet again.
F
Francisca
Friend •
Dany. I'm sad about your absence and how everything happened, but you'll always be in my heart. You and Suzy are two angels who will be in the heavenly choir, united as always. I'm going to miss you. That trip Suzy was planning for the three of us to do together, you went ahead of me to that wonderful place that is the presence of God.🙏🌹😇🌹♥️

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