October 13, 1955 – November 10, 2025
Daniel L. Burns, 70, of Kenosha, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on October 13, 1955, in Fond du Lac, WI, Dan was the son of the late Robert and Rosemary (Reimer) Burns. He attended local schools, graduating from Goodrich High School, where his musical talent quickly became evident.
Dan went on to study performance at the Berklee College of Music in Boston before heading to Las Vegas to pursue his music career while dealing blackjack on the side. He later returned to Wisconsin to continue his education at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a minor in Business. After graduation, Dan moved to West Bend, where he met the love of his life, Michelle Simon. They married in 1993 in Johnsburg, WI, and eventually settled in Kenosha, WI.
Throughout his career, Dan worked in various corners of the music industry, including GW Music, The Music Center, Inc., KAMAN Corporation, and later Sound Marketing, where he worked as a Sales Representative until his retirement.
Dan played in numerous bands in every city he called home, most notably Branded Men, Horizon, and Heading South. He taught private percussion lessons, inspiring countless young musicians, while sharing his musical gifts and joy for rhythm with audiences across Wisconsin and beyond.
Outside of music, Dan loved life on the water, enjoying boating, fishing, and water skiing with his family. Some of his happiest days were spent on Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan, playing games, tossing family and friends off the tube, and enjoying a cold beer while listening to his favorite classics. At home, he enjoyed keeping busy in the garage, where there was always something to fix, build, or improve.
Most of all, Dan’s heart belonged to his family. His wife, Michelle, and their children — Erin, Megan, and Evan — were his greatest joy and the center of his world. Even after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2010, Dan’s focus remained on his family. For 15 years, he faced the illness with remarkable strength and resilience, never complaining or revealing the full weight of his struggle.
Dan will be remembered for his brilliant mind, playful humor, and magnetic spirit — the life of every party, who had a knack for making everyone laugh. He was always ready for a good time and was equally ready to drop everything to help anyone in need. His rhythm, laughter, and love for life will echo forever in the hearts of those he touched and continue to inspire all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle (Simon) Burns, and children Erin, Megan (Jake Zenk), and Evan Burns; siblings Sharon (Douglas) Terrill, Judith (Reverend Robert) Gurgel, Mark (Karen) Burns, and Wendy (Richard) Petak; in-laws Alan and Judith Simon, Beth Schneider, David (Carrie) Simon, Amy (Mark) Feyen, and Ellen Simon; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rosemary Burns; brother, Terrance Burns; sister in law Mary Jo Burns; brothers-in-law William Schneider and Mark Simon; and grandparents Earl and Elsie Burns, Walter and Malita Reimer, Clem and Olive Simon, LaVern and Margaret Halbach.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial visitation at Proko Funeral Home on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m.
A second celebration of life will be held at the Fond du Lac Eagles Club (515 N Park Ave) on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The entire family would like to thank his caregiver, Amber, Supportive Home Care Services LLC, and the Hospice team, who all played a key role in providing outstanding care for Dan throughout his journey and end-of-life care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Parkinson Foundation, Hospice Alliance, or KAFASI – Meals on Wheels would be deeply appreciated by the family.
