Dennis F. Hastreiter

Dennis F. Hastreiter, age 79, of Rhinelander, passed away on February 27, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family. He had a very brief battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare but aggressive bile duct cancer.

He was born on August 25, 1944, in Greenwood, the son of Gordon and Marjorie (Soderberg) Hastreiter. He was the second oldest of six children, including his sisters Mary and Debbie and brothers Gordon, Jerry, and Ed.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay, son Paul (Melany) Hastreiter, daughter Kerry (Todd) Leitel, son Joseph (Jenny) Hastreiter, and son Michael (Ashley) Hastreiter. He also leaves behind his grandson Josh (Rachel) Hastreiter, granddaughter Heather (Adam) Collins, grandson Zach (Gabby) Hastreiter, granddaughters Marissa and Abbi Leitel, grandsons Evan, Colton, Henry, and Sawyer Hastreiter, and 8 great-grandchildren.

In his youth, Denny was a bass player in The Tornado’s which was voted One of the Best Midwest Bands and produced several albums. In 1963, while playing a gig at the “Old V” in Rhinelander, he looked down and locked eyes with Mary Kay Roou — they fell in love instantly and were the loves of each other’s lives for 60 years. They were married on October 23, 1965, and had four children together. They raised their children with unconditional love and taught them the value of hard work, honesty, and integrity. He was an incurable romantic to the end, always leaving notes and tokens of his love and affection. Even in the last days of his life (and after), he found ways to let each of us know how much he loved and cherished us.

His grandkids were his pride and joy, and his big smile got even bigger whenever he saw or talked to any of them. No matter the age, there was always an open spot in his lap. Hugs and kisses were always a must!

Denny loved farming, raising cattle, boarding horses, and riding around on his red Ford tractor. He passed his love of animals, farming, and the Boy Scouts to his kids, grandkids, and many local youths by volunteering with the Boy Scouts and leading the Pelican Ranch 4-H and Lakewood 4-H clubs. He avidly promoted the Oneida County Fair, of which he served on the Board of Directors.

One of his favorite hobbies was driving on back country roads, looking at farms, and taking his “Economic Development Tour.” Denny was always envisioning ways to develop our local industry, encourage growth, and promote tourism in the Greater Northwoods. He treasured golfing with his sons and enjoyed golf trips to Pahrump, Nev. with his dear friends Arlyn and Pat, his son-in-law Todd and other local Hodags.

Denny moved to the Woodruff area as a child. He attended high school first at Holy Cross Seminary and later Lakeland Union High School where he was valedictorian of the graduating class of 1962. Among numerous clubs and hobbies, he was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America where he achieved Eagle Scout status and participated in the Order of the Arrow. He received a four-year scholarship to Marquette University where he attended the School of Business Administration. He left Marquette early to return home and run the family business J. C. Hastreiter Lumber Company due to his parents’ poor health. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in October 1965 until his honorable discharge in October 1971.

As a young man, Denny had an impressive career that focused on his love of community and the promotion and economic development of the Greater Northwoods. By 19, he was president of the Arbor-Vitae Woodruff Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the Vilas County Chamber of Commerce. He initiated a program to develop Brandy Park in Woodruff, helped form the Arbor-Vitae Woodruff Park Commission, organized the Woodruff Planning and Development Association, and helped create the Vilas County Musky Marathon. He actively promoted the development and expansion of the Lakeland Municipal Airport in Woodruff.

Denny was active in many local clubs and organizations. In recognition of his enthusiastic and tireless commitment to improving and promoting the community around him, he was selected as one of the “Outstanding Young Men of America” before age 20. In 1971, he was chosen to appear in “Personalities of the West & Midwest”.

From 1969-70, Denny was the Executive Director of the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce. He left at the age of 25 to run for State Assembly and lost by 17 votes after several contentious recounts. He later rejoined the Chamber from 1974-77 and continued his commitment to improving the local community.

During his tenure at the Rhinelander Chamber, he assisted the committees in developing the Nicolet College and Technical Institute at the Lake Julia Campus and saving the University Extension program in Oneida County. They reactivated the Rhinelander Industrial Development Corp, which led to the development of the Air Industrial Park and assisted in the expansion of the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport. He coordinated and hosted the “Convention of The Association of Snowmobile Clubs” and was the secretary and publicity director of the popular “Hodag 50” snowmobile race.

Later, Dennis helped organize and promote the Northwoods Snowmobile Festival USA, which President Ronald Reagan recognized in 1984 for its efforts in expanding the sport of snowmobiling in the Northwoods.

In 1988, Denny began working in the quality control lab at Printpack until retiring in 2010. After his retirement, Denny became a familiar, friendly face helping his son on Friday nights at the Woodpecker Bar & Grill and delivering food during the week for Bucketheads Sports Bar. He could be found at Bucketheads on game days, ringing the bell for his beloved Packers and organizing the football pools. He was a cherished personality who always had a huge smile on his face and kind words for others.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 19 at 11 a.m. at the Woodpecker Bar & Grill. At a later date, Denny will be interred at the Northwoods National Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Hastreiter family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home(715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the family.