Daniel L. Burns

1955 ∼ 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. If you would like to livestream the service, please copy and paste or click the below link.https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2MzE1OTY2OTM4ODg3MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==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.

Condolences

David Volpe December 8, 2025
Enjoyed working with Dan at KMC in the 90s and have great memories of him and the great crew we had at that time. Sincere condolances to the family. Very best regards. David Volpe
Luis Acosta November 13, 2025
Dan was the first rep I spoke to during my first week of work at Full Compass back in 1999. He was always very nice. Luis Acosta – Full Compass Systems, LTD.
Ronald Wilson November 12, 2025
I met Dan when we were youngsters playing in "garage bands". I always admired his talent for music. Dan was a wonderful human being and fantastic drummer. He was always smiling and took the time to say hi, whether at school or on the street. He'll be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to the family. 🙏🙏🙏
Pam DeGrace November 12, 2025
💐 Our Condolences to Dan’s entire beautiful family. May our Lord bless you all with peace knowing Dan is in a good place, and that all the wonderful memories made with him will help comfort you. Know he is always with you in some way. Dan was a wonderful neighbor to us , always a happy friendly smiling conversation when we ran into him. We had the best neighborhood picnic/dances ever when Dan was in charge of the music. Such great talent. And some of us could still dance the 70’s “Bump” to Dans music🥰😀 Rest in peace dear friend Dan, The DeGrace family
Tammy Cruz November 12, 2025
Sending you strength and prayers for comfort at this time.
Dave Sepanski November 12, 2025
Dan was the coolest cat i ever played with! Nothing phased him cause he was there to have fun and make the audience dance! The day he joined Horizon was a bright one. That light will never go out for me. RIP Danny B. Hearts go out to his family.
Roddy Nixon November 12, 2025
Dearest Erin and familyMy deepest sympathies and love are extended at this time. I never met Daniel but I am eternally blessed that this family man shared his daughter with me and my family. Erin, I'm feeling your pain but I know that the joy you brought your father will carry you through. I recall the conversations and the drive you had to make him proud. You did it and you did it BIG time. Daniel now has Angel wings and he will forever be with you. May God be with you, the family, and all Daniel touched. You are forever in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.Love eternalYour Ole Grey RabbitRoddy E. Nixon Jr. and familyBonaire Georgia
Savanna Weatherspoon November 12, 2025
He was the best accordion player I knew, I loved listening to him play, he played the best songs during the holidays. he always brought so much joy in the room and always had a smile. I know God is taking good care of him now ❤️- Savanna Weatherspoon