Dennis "Hippie" Hietpas

Dennis J. “Hippie” Hietpas, age 73, of Kaukauna, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Dennis was born on June 10, 1952 to the late Paul and Margaret (Opsteen) Hietpas. On October 1, 1971, he was married to the love of his life Agnes Hietpas. They resided in Kaukauna, where they raised their two children. 

Dennis was employed at Thilmany’s Paper Mill for 43 years before retiring. He enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing, and spending quality time with his family. The countless number of roofing jobs and endless wood-working projects were what occupied his time. Consider yourself lucky if you have any of his handy work, great quality and each one made with love. Dennis had a kind heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His infectious smile and cunning humor will definitely be missed. 

Dennis is survived by his two children: Dennis JR (Kari) Hietpas and Rose Hietpas; eight grandchildren: Heaven Lambert, Brandie Hietpas, Corey (Kayla) Hietpas, Cody Hietpas, Dennis (DJ) Hietpas III, Brittney Hietpas, Shelby Hietpas, Rheann (William) Knowles. He was a great grandfather to six: Ivee, Dennis IV, Charlotte, Dylan, Ellie and Harvey. Dennis is also survived by brothers and sisters: Bonnie Fischer, Joanie (Cletus) Hubers, Karen (Dale) Mahnke, Kevin (Karen) Hietpas, Jeanie Zornow, Roy (Carol) Hietpas, Ray Hietpas, Randy (Tammy) Hietpas, Scott (Michele) Hietpas, Mike (Sandy) Hietpas, Sue (Jeff) Finch, Mary (Jon) Paris; sisters-in-law: Juanita DeBruin and Peggi Hoehne; and numerous nephews, nieces and other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Agnes Hieptas; his parents, Paul and Margaret Hietpas; brother, Al (Becky) Hietpas; brothers and sisters-in-law: Paul Zornow, Jeff Fischer, Harold Shuckhart, John DeBruin, Gary Hoehne, Mary (Dale) Arnoldussen, Marie Frank and Linda (Terrance) Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.