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

Daniel Fay

June 21, 1960 - September 12, 2025

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