Obituary of Dean Barker

Dean Ivan Barker, age 56, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away at his home on June 25, 2018.

Dean was born on May 14, 1962 in Monroe, WI to Robert and Hazel (Hollis) Barker. He graduated high school in 1980 and attended college for two years but did not earn a degree due to a bad motorcycle accident.

Dean was a very funny person but was known to be quite blunt. He also loved to tell stories about his experiences and adventures, sometimes with a pinch of exaggeration. He was willing to lend a hand whenever and however he could. He really liked the fact that he was a twin and hanging out with his brother Dale. He enjoyed spending time with family especially his grandkids. Even though they thought he could be a little grumpy sometimes, they had even nicknamed him Grumpa.  To the rest of his friends and family he was known as Fat Fred.

In his younger years he shared the family’s passion for bicycles and took long trips across country zig zagging here and there from Wisconsin to Colorado and back.

Dean is survived by his two children: Heather C. (Aaron) Braumann and Jonathan A. Barker of Janesville; six grandchildren: Israel, Dominic, Josaiah, Serenity, Elyse and Atalia; three brothers: Dale E. (Dee) Barker of Janesville, Thomas A. (Denise) Barker of Nekoosa, and Bruce O. Barker of Janesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Richard E. Barker.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held at a later date in Janesville.