Obituary
Dennis “Denny” Gene Hartogh
Dennis (Denny) Gene Hartogh, 66, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Mayo Health System in La Crosse, WI surrounded by his family after losing his three-year battle with cancer.
Denny was born on November 1, 1955, in Charles City, IA to Jim and Kay Hartogh. He was the second of four children and graduated from Columbus High School in Waterloo, IA. He then joined the Air-Force for four years, two of those years were in Germany where his love grew from afar for the love of his life, Diane Holzer. Denny and Diane were married on June 10, 1978 in Charles City, IA. Together they raised two children, Chad and Kari.
Denny had a 40-year career with Hy-Vee Food Stores, starting as a part-time employee in Charles City, IA. It included a 10 year stop in Storm Lake, IA as store director and concluded in 2014 with his retirement as store director from the Locust Street Hy-Vee in Dubuque, IA.
When not working, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, duck hunting with his brother-in-law, and cheering on the Hawkeyes and Vikings. With retirement, he treasured summers at their cabin “Up North” on Gull Lake while also living in La Crosse, WI to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Denny knew what was most important in life, time spent with friends and family and your faith in the Lord. He knew this battle would come to an end sooner than anyone wanted. Earlier this year, he said, “I have turned this journey over to our Lord and Savior” and was very comfortable with what lied ahead.
Denny could not have been a better husband, Dad, Opa, brother, uncle, boss, golf partner, and friend and was always up for a good time. He was a man with a big heart, a teacher to many, and he loved being Opa to his three grandchildren.
Denny will be dearly missed by his wife, Diane; children, Chad and Liz Hartogh, and Kari (Hartogh) and Zack Reyburn; grandchildren, Kellen Hartogh, Hadley and Hudson Reyburn; siblings, Karla (Hartogh) and Mike Ebert, and Shelly (Hartogh) and Joe Troutman, and in-laws, Dean and Brenda Holzer. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, David Hartogh, mother and father-in-law, Buck and Rena Holzer, and granddaughter, Kenley Grace Hartogh.
A heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Mayo Clinic Oncology Rochester and La Crosse, especially Dr. Abigail Stockham and the staff on 9 Center, for their compassionate care and support, and to Coulee Region Cremation Group for their thoughtful assistance.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 11:00AM at Blessed Sacrament with a Celebration of Life that evening from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 3060 S. Kinney Coulee Rd., Onalaska, WI 54650.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MCHS Franciscan Healthcare Center Oasis Fund and mailed to the Department of Development at Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
Diane & family, We are so sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. Our love and prayers are with you all. Denny will be missed.
Kevin and Cynthia Halbmaier
This was a real gut punch to us! Denny was a special person to us. He was a great friend and mentor. This will be one of those moments that you never forget. Thank you Denny for being such a great friend and example. We will love you forever!
Diane, I know no words can take away the pain you all are dealing with right now. Just know I am thinking of you and will keep you all in my prayers. Lean on each other, family and friends. ♥️?
Diane and family our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have so many fun memories with Denny especially one memorable golf game of uncles versus nephews. Love to you all.
So very sorry for your loss. Denny was a great Store Director.
Steve and Marilyn Ruggeberg
Hy-Vee Locust Street
Dubuque, Iowa
Our deepest and sincerest sympathy Diane and family, in the loss of your wonderful husband and father, Denny.
I am certain the Lord will make sure he’s always close to you thru all of the wonderful memories your family have made together.
Our prayers will continue to be with all of you.
Doug and Jean Ann Kamm
Sending prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Diane,
Although I have only met you and Denny briefly, I feel like I know you well. I am a friend of Karla’s and she always shared, loving and fun stories of your family. I have also been able to follow Denny’s dealing with cancer through Karla. He certainly tried to live his life the best he could through this fight. I am heart broken for your loss. I will continue to pray for you and your family while you grieve.
Diane,Karla and family,,l was saddened to hear of Denny’s passing. Brought back old memories as kids before their move to Waterloo. Also when his family visited our neighbors, the Schmalens,He will be remembered for his great smile and genuine friendliness. Our deepest sympathy. Tom and Jan Krall
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to you Diane and your family. Those we love live forever in our hearts and souls and will be revived once we make the journey to join Denny and all of our other family members and friends who have made their journeys to Heaven. I know that I join Norma Kling (Mom) in sending these words. Peace and Blessings to all of you!
Diane and family…We will remember Denny as always smiling or laughing…always. Together you passed that on to your kids… that is why so many people are sad … because he was “ a fun guy”. Saying goodbye too soon… damn cancer… heartfelt thoughts and hugs to all of you …. God Bless Denny
I am so sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss Diane and family! Prayers being sent.
Diane, Kari, and Chad and families.
So sorry for your loss. Denny was such a great man. He was strong and battled this cancer long enough. His memories will sustain your grief at this difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you all.
Sorry to hear of Denny’s passing.
Diane and family, we are sorry to hear of your loss. Denny was everything the obituary said. Really a great guy. Prayers to you in the weeks to come.
Jim and Lori Radke
Thinking & praying for you Diane and family at this difficult time. As you all know well, Denny was a great guy!!
Diane and family, So sorry for your loss. Denny will be greatly missed by all who know him. R.I.P Cousin.
Diane, Chad and Kari
I worked with Denny in Albert Lea so many years ago. I remember his smile. He was one of the nice ones! Sorry for your loss.
Diane and family, my deepest condolences. Sending healing prayers to get you through this difficult time. May fond memories comfort you & keep Denny close to your hearts.
My sincere condolences to Denny’s family!??. I was blessed to have known him (& Phil) during our high school years. I only saw Denny twice since high school, at his wedding & once @ Hy-Vee as I was traveling to the Mayo Clinic when my father had surgery. Blessings & peace to all who loved him❣️?
Diane and family
So sorry to hear about Dennys
Passing.
I’ve always considered him a good friend and will miss him dearly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob and Karen Teeselink
Oh I am so sorry for your family…prayers and a candle will be lit for all of you for a whole month at I C Church..God bless all of you love Mae???
Hartogh family,
Met Denny at The Pines. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. I just want you to know.
Bill Stangler
Diane, Chad, Kari, and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed! We have many good memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.
Randy & Deb Drey
Diane and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Denny. He was a great man and also a great mentor to us young Store Directors back in the Cherokee division. When I received my first Director assignment in Spencer, he was one of the first to call and congratulate me, as well as offer advise. (especially about inventory day!) He had a great sense of humor and I always enjoyed our phone conversations. He will truly be missed! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim & Ginger Bruzek
Diane and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. Fond memories from your time spent in Estherville.
Prayers for all of you
Betty Ann & Chris Rosfjord