Daniel Frank Barto

Daniel Frank Barto was born to Frank & Nellie September 18, 1932 in Brainerd, MN. Dan was the fourth of 9 children – Cliff, Lana, Sam, Dan, Erleen, Marty, Flo, Edie & Mary. He completed HS in 1951 and joined the Air Force in 1952. Dan was very proud to be a radar technician on the F94 Starfire Fighter planes. With great joy, he married the love of his life, Shirley Ann McGuire on October 20, 1953. Dan & Shirley were stationed in New Castle, Delaware when they were first married and lived in a 21’ trailer. Their first son, Gregory Daniel was born November 5, 1954 so they upgraded to a 37’ trailer. Dan was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1956 and they moved to Beaver Bay, MN where he worked at Reserve Mining as an electrician. Their second child, Richard Charles was born on August 31, 1957. Shortly after that they moved to Silver Bay, MN where their third child, Cynthia Ann was born on March 14, 1959. The family moved to Brooklyn Park, MN in 1967 where Daniel continued his career as an Electrician. After their children graduated, Dan & Shirley had a home built on the other side of Brooklyn Park. They lived there until Daniel retired and they moved to their “dream home on a lake” in Brainerd, MN. They moved into Northern Lakes assisted living in March of 2020. They lived there until his passing but with immense joy Dan had some final visits to the lake house he loved last summer to spend time with family.

Dan & Shirley were especially proud of their five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  Jeremiah (Trish) - Dominic, Terik, Emrick; Derek (Sarah) – Miles, Henry; Stephanie (Errin) – Jagen, Coy; Heath (Doug); Tamara (Adam) - Aaron, Kendrick & Annella.

Dan enjoyed tractors, horses, Fleet Farm, hunting, fishing, flying, joke telling and most of all, spending time with family. Whatever Dan did he was all in. For years Dan organized for the Barto family reunion. In all the years the Barto Family reunion was held Dan never missed a reunion, not even this last year while he was on hospice. At church he was an Usher and Treasurer. He was an officer for the Electrical Union. When he joined the Civil Air Patrol he volunteered at the County fair for them. His servant heart showed in every area of his life. Dan loved helping family and friends. He was always doing things for other people.

Dan will be missed but even more he will be remembered for his gift of conversation, his clever “Dad” jokes, his love of family and his servant heart.

Dan passed very peacefully on January 7, 2022 with his wife of 68 years and family at his side.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd. Friends and family are invited to gather for two hours prior to the service.

The family asks that attendees please wear their masks and respect socially distancing.

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