41 years later: Barneveld Memorial Park a reality

By John Dalton

On Sunday, June 8th, it marked the anniversary of the 1984 F5 tornado that tore through Barneveld, Wisconsin, 41 years ago, destroying most of the city in under three minutes. It devastated homes and businesses. Nine lives were lost that night, and over 200 people were injured.  

Barneveld residents gathered for the grand reopening and ribbon-cutting of the new Barneveld Memorial Park to remember those who were lost and injured in that horrific event and to demonstrate that in the face of tragedy, Barneveld Strong came together, showed compassion, resiliency, and strength while rebuilding their town.    

Today, the community gathered to honor the lives lost, the families forever affected, the first responders and volunteers, and the citizens of Barneveld who came together to rebuild, as well as the DNR, community, and committee members who helped raise money for this beautiful park.  

The ceremony started with the American Flag being raised by the Barneveld Legion Post 433, the Woman’s Auxiliary and the Barneveld Community Band playing the National Anthem, as well as entertaining the well-attended crowd throughout the celebration...

(See the rest of this story in the June 12, 2025 Chronicle issue)