Daniel A. Nerad

MADISON

Daniel A. Nerad, age 72, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, of interstitial lung disease. He was born on November 28th, 1951 in Marinette, Wisconsin, the son of Norman and Sidnee Nerad. He married Jean Borowski on December 3rd, 1978 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Dan grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the second of three boys. He began his college education at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside before transferring to the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he completed Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work. In Madison he met Jean, to whom he was married for nearly 45 years until his death. Dan and Jean moved to Green Bay to start their careers and family.

Dan began working as a school social worker for the Green Bay Area Public School District in 1975, where he worked until 2008 while also earning his Doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University. He finished his career in Green Bay as Superintendent of Schools from 2001 to 2008. Dan then worked in the same role as School Superintendent at the Madison Metropolitan School District from 2008 to 2012, and finally at the Birmingham, Michigan School District from 2012 to 2018. Always one to contribute, and never one to sit still, Dan continued working in consulting and volunteer roles until his death. Dan was a strong believer in the power of education to improve lives and advance social justice. His curiosity and open-mindedness led him to read innumerable books on the topic and continue to learn until the end.

While Dan was honored to serve as a School Superintendent, his favorite roles in life were Dad and Grampy. Dan was incredibly proud of the two children he and Jean had, Emily and Ben. His grandchildren, Louella and Maxine, brought great joy to his life. In better times, he was happiest visiting them in Los Angeles, or rewarding them with toys in exchange for doing yard work. Dan was an avid sports fan, especially of the Packers and Badgers. In his retirement, Dan continued to hone his cooking skills and became a wonderful chef, entertaining often with friends and family.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Jean, his daughter, Emily Michaels (Nic), his son Ben, his grandchildren, Louella and Maxine Michaels, and brothers Bob and Michael. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Norman Nerad, and his mother, Sidnee Nerad.

Dan’s family will be holding a private funeral service to honor his memory. However, the family warmly invites friends, colleagues, and all who knew Dan to a larger memorial service to be held in the summer of 2024. The Nerad family will share further details about the summer memorial closer to the date, but also encourages anyone interested to please email DanNeradMemorial@gmail.com. Memories of Dan can also be shared to this email address.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s name would be greatly appreciated and can be made to the Green Bay Area Public Schools Education Foundation, Madison Public Schools Foundation, or the Birmingham Education Foundation.

The Nerad family would like to thank the many healthcare providers who assisted Dan in recent years, in particular Dr. Amy Malik, Dr. Eric Marty, Dr. Christopher Nestleroad, and Agrace Hospice doctors and nurses.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406