Barbara Kernan
Dan and I went to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire together in the '70's. What fun! We had a great group of friends and got a fine education on the banks of the Chippewa River. We partied plenty, laughed a lot, studied hard and enough, and enjoyed the natural beauty of the Chippewa Valley. Some of us shared a charming farmhouse out in the country where we heated with wood in a Victorian era woodstove, gardened, canned, baked, raised a few animals,hosted corn roasts and served Walter's beer as our beverage of choice. The lilacs and iris and cedars surrounded the old house, cats prowled for mice, and various dogs including Dan's Tavi accompanied us on regular walks. Fall brought ducks and deer to the table as Dan and friends were hunters. Evenings we enjoyed the breezes through the front screen door, or we visited our local bars with friends. We hiked and swam at Big Falls and Elk Creek. Dan and Pam worked in the university green house and tended the yard and gardens of a big house near the U. They were both botanists and worked closely with Dr. Marcus Fay who advised them generously and well. Dan was a member of the infamous Tap Hits bowling league on campus with friends Phil, Jack, Marvin, and others. He and they left their mark on the Hilltop lanes! I would wish that his children would know how very important Dan was to our friend group, how much we enjoyed life and each other in those carefree college years. I am sad that I lost touch with him over the years, and want his children to know that many of us tried to find him to reconnect. They should also know that they are welcome to reach out to me to be connected with his college gang who will tell fun stories and share their love of Dan with them. I am so sorry to learn that he has passed. Many remember him very fondly. You had a very special dad. Dr. Barbara Kernan
