Cory Barr

Sun Prairie Fire Department Fire Captain Cory James Barr passed away on July 10, 2018 while responding to a gas leak that resulted in an explosion.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin and raised in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Barr was the youngest of three siblings, and grew up using American Sign Language as both of his parents were deaf. He often spent his time riding bikes into town and hanging out with his friends, and he also worked in the hotel business and enjoyed playing football. Barr was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and outgoing personality. He owned and managed a bar in town while also working in real estate. He and his wife, Abby, ran into each other at a food stand while attending a Wisconsin Badger’s football game. The pair’s relationship grew and they were married in September of 2012.

From a young age, Barr had a passion for firefighting. Barr loved collecting antique fire memorabilia, learning the firehouse history, and was dedicated to the work of the Sun Prairie volunteer fire department from his teenage years. At 11 years old, Barr helped a neighbor in an emergency situation and was honored for his support. This moment sparked his love of helping others in need and it only grew throughout his life. When there was a fire call, he would wake up with his Dad to follow them so he could see heroes in action. When the age to join the fire department changed from 21 to 18, Barr was the first to join the team and was the youngest to join. He provided 16 years of dedicated service, and was able to have Sun Prairie’s first fire truck restored. Barr had a drive to learn, and always took classes to earn certifications and gain more knowledge on fire services. In 2017, he was named firefighter of the year. On July 10, 2018, while he was at dinner, Barr received a call that there was a gas leak in downtown Sun Prairie, to which he immediately responded. Upon doing so, the gas leak led to an explosion and took Barr’s life. He left his wife and three-year-old twin daughters behind.

Currently, Abby lives in Wisconsin with her twin daughters, Aubrey and Hailey. She enjoys exercising and leading group fitness classes at a gym that she owns and runs. She has found healing in exercise and uses her gym as a way to give back to others. Additionally, she loves to travel and spend time with family and friends. In the future, she is excited to live her life the best she can to honor her husband and move forward with him as a part of her everyday life. The donation of a mortgage-free home from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the other outside help they’ve received makes their situation a lot less stressful. Abby’s goal in life is to give Barr’s and her daughters the best life possible. Barr’s legacy lives on through his daughters, who know their father through moments and stories that Abby recounts. Finally, Abby would like others to know that grief is a journey that will be a part of you forever. However, it is how you move forward with your grief that makes a difference in your life. She is the person she is because of her husband, and she is proud to be his surviving wife.

Sun Prairie Fire Department Fire Captain Cory James Barr leaves behind his wife, Abby, his daughters, Aubrey and Hailey, his parents, and siblings, Kim and Chad.