Donald W. Hasenohrl

Last updated
Kathleen J. Stashek
(m. 1961)
Donald W. Hasenohrl
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
In office
January 7, 1985 January 1, 2001
Children3
Residence(s) Pittsville, Wisconsin, U.S.
Professionpolitician

Donald William "Donnie" Hasenohrl (November 25, 1935 - January 3, 2024) was a retired American politician and union steelworker. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for 26 years, representing his hometown, Marshfield, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas.

Contents

Early life and career

Hasenohrl was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and graduated from Marshfield High School. [1] Hasenohrl worked as a farmer in his youth and was employed by the Marshfield Fire Department as a firefighter in 1960 and 1961. He went on to work as a steel fabricator at the Felker Brothers Manufacturing Company in Marshfield until his election to the Assembly; he was a member of the local Boilermakers union and a delegate to the Marshfield Central Labor Council. [2]

Political career

As a young man, Hasenohrl became involved with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin and founded the Marshfield Young Democrats. He served as a field staffer for William Proxmire during his successful United States Senate campaigns in 1957 and 1958. [3]

He made his first attempt at elected office in 1962, running for Wood County register of deeds against incumbent Robert J. Ryan, but Hasenohrl fell far short of his Republican opponent in the November general election. [4] Nevertheless, a month later, in December 1962, he was elected chairman of the Wood County Democratic Party for 1963. [3] He was subsequently reelected to another year as chairman in January 1964. [5] He ran again for county office in 1964, running for county clerk; he was again defeated by the Republican incumbent. [6] [7]

After 1964, Hasenohrl stepped back from his attempts to seek office, but remained invested in local affairs and state politics. He became more involved with local labor organizations and was appointed to the Marshfield City Plan Commission. He and his wife continued to campaign in support of Democrats in the state, such as then-assemblymember Dave Obey and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. [2]

In 1974, a decade after his last election, he once again sought higher office. He announced a run for Wisconsin State Assembly in the 70th assembly district seat, which was being vacated by the incumbent John Oestreicher. [2] At the time, the district comprised eastern Clark County, southern Marathon County, northeast Portage County, and northern Wood County. [2] Several Democrats expressed interest in running for the now-open seat, but ultimately Hasenohrl faced only two opponents in the Democratic primary Arlen K. Wanta, town chairman of Rudolph, Wisconsin, [8] and Thomas F. Stockheimer, a supporter of the American Party who believed he'd have a better chance as a Democrat. [9] Hasenohrl prevailed in the September primary with 57% of the vote. [10] The November general election in the 70th assembly district produced the closest outcome in the state; Hasenohrl won the seat by a mere 42 votes. [10] [1]

Hasenohrl won reelection in 1976 by a wide margin, helped by a national Democratic wave against the Nixon-Ford years, [11] but faced another difficult contest in 1978, winning by just 581 votes. Following 1978, Hasenohrl won comfortable reelection victories in 1980, 1982, 1984, and 1990, and was unopposed in 1986, 1988, and 1992.

Following close reelection contests in 1994 and 1998, Hasenohrl announced he would not seek a 14th term in 2000. [12]

Hasenohrl served for several years on the committees on highways and transportation, serving as chairman of the transportation committee from 1983 through 1993; he also served for several sessions on the committees on rural development, rural affairs, and forestry. [13] Hasenohrl enthusiastically supported his former legislative aide, Julie Lassa, when she ran for State Assembly in the neighboring 71st assembly district in 1998, and later when she ran for Wisconsin State Senate. [14]

Personal life and family

Donald Hasenohrl married Kathleen J. Stashek on May 13, 1961, in Wisconsin Rapids. [15] His wife was a registered nurse and a teacher at Mid-State Technical College. [2] They had three children, all of whom are now grown, and still reside in Pittsville, Wisconsin, just south of Marshfield.

Hasenohrl has been a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and was member and director of the Wisconsin State Fair Association. [13]

Electoral history

Wood County Register of Deeds (1962)

Wood County Register of Deeds Election, 1962 [4]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
General Election, November 6, 1962
Republican Robert J. Ryan (incumbent) 11,929 66.40%
Democratic Donald W. Hasenohrl6,03733.60%
Plurality5,89232.80%
Total votes17,966 100.0%
Republican hold

Wood County Clerk (1964)

Wood County Clerk Election, 1964 [7]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
General Election, November 3, 1964
Republican Adrian G. Elvod (incumbent) 12,609 56.09%
Democratic Donald W. Hasenohrl9,86943.91%
Plurality2,74012.19%
Total votes22,478 100.0%
Republican hold

Wisconsin Assembly (19741998)

YearElectionDateElectedDefeatedTotalPlurality
1974 [10] PrimarySeptember 10Donald W. Hasenohrl Democratic 1,35257.58%Arlen K. Wanta Dem. 63026.83%2,348722
Thomas F. Stockheimer Dem. 36615.59%
GeneralNovember 5Donald W. Hasenohrl Democratic 5,96250.18%James S. Vedder Rep. 5,92049.82%11,88242
1976 [11] GeneralNovember 2Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 12,54063.64%Patricia A. Keith Rep. 7,16636.36%19,7065,374
1978 [16] GeneralNovember 7Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 7,67551.97%David L. Luepke Rep. 7,09448.03%14,769581
1980 [17] GeneralNovember 4Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 12,44055.42%David L. Luepke Rep. 9,74343.41%22,4462,697
John S. Anderson Lib. 2631.17%
1982 [18] GeneralNovember 2Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 11,62477.18%Gary T. Hannemann Rep. 3,43622.82%15,0608,188
1984 [19] GeneralNovember 6Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 13,13664.72%Kenneth N. Machtan Rep. 7,16135.28%20,2975,975
1986 [20] GeneralNovember 4Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 10,953100.00%Scattering10,953100.00%
1988 [21] GeneralNovember 8Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 15,535100.00%Scattering15,535100.00%
1990 [22] GeneralNovember 6Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 8,80569.70%Jack Kelly Rep. 3,82830.30%12,6334,977
1992 [23] GeneralNovember 3Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 16,517100.00%Scattering16,517100.00%
1994 [24] GeneralNovember 8Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 8,19351.01% Donna Rozar Rep. 7,52646.86%16,060667
Wayne Wiedeman Tax. 3412.12%
1996 [25] GeneralNovember 5Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 12,95760.96% Donna Rozar Rep. 8,29839.04%21,2554,659
1998 [26] GeneralNovember 3Donald W. Hasenohrl (inc.) Democratic 8,90651.50% MaryAnn Lippert Rep. 8,38648.50%17,292520

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Chvala</span> American politician

Charles Joseph "Chuck" Chvala is an American real estate dealer, lawyer, and former politician. He served 20 years in the Wisconsin State Senate, representing Dane County, and was the Democratic leader from 1995 through 2002. His political career was ended by a 2002 scandal which found he and other lawmakers had illegally utilized state employees for campaign work.

The 1st Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northeastern Wisconsin, the district comprises all of Door and Kewaunee counties, as well as portions of northeast Brown County. The district is represented by Republican Joel Kitchens, since January 2015.

Louise M. Tesmer is an American lawyer, judge, and former politician. She was a Wisconsin circuit court judge for 12 years in the Milwaukee County circuit (1989–2001), and has continued to serve as a reserve judge since her retirement. Prior to her judicial service, she served sixteen years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the city of Milwaukee as a Democrat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 2nd Assembly district</span> American legislative district in northeast Wisconsin

The 2nd Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northeast Wisconsin, the district comprises most of northern Manitowoc County and southern Brown County, along with parts of southeast Outagamie County. It includes the villages of Combined Locks, Denmark, Francis Creek, Kimberly, Mishicot, and Reedsville, and most of the village of Wrightstown and the southern half of Kaukauna. The district is represented by Republican Shae Sortwell, since January 2019.

The 4th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northeast Wisconsin, the district comprises part of northwest Brown County, and much of southern Oconto County, including the cities of Oconto and Oconto Falls, and the villages of Howard and Lena, and part of the city of Green Bay. The district is represented by Republican David Steffen, since January 2015.

The 5th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northeast Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of eastern Outagamie County and western Brown County, including the city of Seymour, most of the city of Little Chute, and the northern half of Kaukauna. The district also includes all of the Oneida reservation spanning the two counties. The district is represented by Republican Joy Goeben, since January 2023.

The 10th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within northeastern Milwaukee County. The district comprises several neighborhoods of the north side of the city of Milwaukee, including the Williamsburg Heights, Arlington Heights, and Grover Heights neighborhoods, as well as the neighboring village of Shorewood and the city of Glendale. The district is represented by Democrat Darrin Madison, since January 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 12th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

The 12th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within northwest Milwaukee County. It comprises much of the far north of the city of Milwaukee as well as part of northern Wauwatosa and western Brown Deer. The district also includes most of the former town of Granville, Dretzka Park, and Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport. The district is represented by Democrat LaKeshia Myers, since January 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 18th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

The 18th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district is contained within central Milwaukee County, including parts of near-west Milwaukee and southeast Wauwatosa. It contains the Milwaukee neighborhoods Washington Heights and Sherman Park and includes landmarks such as the Miller Brewing Company and Washington Park. The district is represented by Democrat Evan Goyke, since January 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 99th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in southeast Wisconsin

The 99th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of northwest Waukesha County, northeast Jefferson County, and southeast Dodge County. It includes the cities of Oconomowoc and part of the city of Hartford, and the villages of Chenequa, Hartland, Lac La Belle, Nashotah, and Neosho. The district is represented by Republican Cindi Duchow, since October 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 63rd Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Racine County and Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

The 63rd Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district comprises areas of northeast Racine County and southwest Milwaukee County. It includes most of the city of Franklin and most of the village of Caledonia. The district is represented by Republican Robin Vos, the Speaker of the Assembly, since 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 61st Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

The 61st Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, the district comprises part of southwest Milwaukee County, including the villages of Greendale and Hales Corners, most of the city of Greenfield, and parts of southwest Milwaukee and northeast Franklin. The district is represented by Republican Amanda Nedweski, since January 2023. After the 2024 redistricting, Nedweski no longer resides in the new 61st district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 64th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Kenosha County, Wisconsin

The 64th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district comprises the northeast corner of Kenosha County, including all of the village of Somers and the northern half of the city of Kenosha. The district also contains the University of Wisconsin–Parkside campus, Carthage College, the Kenosha campus of Gateway Technical College, and Kenosha Regional Airport. The district is represented by Democrat Tip McGuire, since May 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 89th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Brown County, Wisconsin

The 89th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in Northeastern Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within central Brown County. It includes the village of Ashwaubenon and much of the west side of the city of Green Bay. The district contains Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. The district is represented by Republican Elijah Behnke, since May 2021. After the 2024 redistricting, Behnke no longer resides in the new 89th district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 88th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Brown County, Wisconsin

The 88th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in Northeastern Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of central Brown County. It includes the city of De Pere, the villages of Allouez and Bellevue, and a small part of the city of Green Bay. The district also contains landmarks such as St. Norbert College and the De Pere Lock and Dam Historic District. The district is represented by John Macco, since January 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 30th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in western Wisconsin

The 30th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in western Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of southwest St. Croix County and northwest Pierce County. It includes the cities of Hudson and River Falls, as well as the village of North Hudson. It also contains the University of Wisconsin–River Falls campus, Willow River State Park, and Kinnickinnic State Park. The district is represented by Republican Shannon Zimmerman, since January 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 33rd Assembly district</span> American legislative district in southeast Wisconsin

The 33rd Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in southeast Wisconsin, the district comprises much of eastern Walworth County and southwest Racine County. It includes the city of Burlington and most of the city of Lake Geneva, and the villages of East Troy and Union Grove. It also contains the Big Foot Beach State Park and Grand Geneva Resort Airport. The district is represented by Republican Scott Johnson, since January 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 68th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in northwest Wisconsin

The 68th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in northwestern Wisconsin, the district comprises all of Price and Rusk counties, and most of Chippewa and Taylor counties. It includes the cities of Bloomer, Cornell, Ladysmith, Park Falls, and Phillips, and the villages of Bruce, Catawba, Conrath, Gilman, Glen Flora, Hawkins, Ingram, Kennan, Lublin, Prentice, Rib Lake, Sheldon, Tony, and Weyerhaeuser. The district also contains Lake Wissota State Park, Brunet Island State Park, and Timms Hill—the highest natural point in the state of Wisconsin. The district is represented by Republican Karen Hurd, since January 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 85th Assembly district</span> American legislative district for Wausau, Wisconsin

The 85th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in north-central Wisconsin, the district is entirely contained within Marathon County. It includes the city of Wausau and the village of Weston. The district is represented by Republican Patrick Snyder, since January 2017. After the 2024 redistricting, Snyder no longer resides in the new 85th district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 94th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in western Wisconsin

The 94th Assembly District of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in western Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of northern La Crosse County and southeast Trempealeau County. It includes the cities of Galesville and Onalaska, and the villages of Ettrick, Holmen, and West Salem, along with part of the north side of the city of La Crosse. The district is represented by Democrat Steve Doyle, since May 2011.

References

  1. 1 2 "Hasenohrl, Donald W. 1935". Wisconsin Historical Society . Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Hasenohrl Assembly candidate". Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune . Pittsville, Wisconsin. May 16, 1974. p. 2. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 "Hasenohrl New Demo Chairman". Marshfield News-Herald. December 18, 1962. p. 1. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 "County Voters Favor Laird, Heizen, Gee". Marshfield News-Herald. November 7, 1962. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  5. "County Dems Elect Hasenohrl". Marshfield News-Herald. January 20, 1964. p. 3. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  6. "Johnson Has Big Edge In Wood County". Stevens Point Journal. November 4, 1964. p. 2. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  7. 1 2 "Republicans Win County Offices". Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune . November 4, 1964. p. 1. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  8. "Rudolph chairman in Assembly race". Stevens Point Journal. June 17, 1974. p. 1. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  9. "Candidates Discuss the Issues". Marshfield News-Herald. August 15, 1974. p. 11. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  10. 1 2 3 Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1975). "Elections" (PDF). In Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V. (eds.). The state of Wisconsin 1975 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. pp. 809, 830. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  11. 1 2 Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1977). "Elections" (PDF). In Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V. (eds.). The state of Wisconsin 1977 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. pp. 894, 916. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  12. Milfred, Scott (June 17, 2000). "Another Republican steps down from state Assembly". Wisconsin State Journal . Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  13. 1 2 Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1999). "Biographies" (PDF). In Barish, Lawrence S.; Meloy, Patricia E. (eds.). State of Wisconsin 1999-2000 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 69. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  14. "Hasenohrl wants Lassa for 24th District". Marshfield News-Herald. January 28, 2003. p. 6. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  15. "Miss Kathleen Stashek Wed Saturday to Donald Hasenohrl". Marshfield News-Herald. May 16, 1961. p. 6. Retrieved December 28, 2020 via Newspapers.com.
  16. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1979). "Elections" (PDF). In Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V. (eds.). The state of Wisconsin 1979-1980 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 925. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  17. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1981). "Elections" (PDF). In Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V. (eds.). The state of Wisconsin 1981-1982 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 916. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  18. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1983). "Elections" (PDF). In Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V. (eds.). The state of Wisconsin 1983-1984 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 911. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  19. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1985). "Elections" (PDF). In Theobald, H. Rupert; Robbins, Patricia V. (eds.). The state of Wisconsin 1985-1986 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 926. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  20. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1987). "Elections" (PDF). In Theobald, H. Rupert; Barish, Lawrence S. (eds.). The state of Wisconsin 1987-1988 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 908. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  21. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1989). "Elections" (PDF). In Barish, Lawrence S.; Theobald, H. Rupert (eds.). State of Wisconsin 1989-1990 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 927. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  22. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1991). "Elections" (PDF). In Barish, Lawrence S.; Theobald, H. Rupert (eds.). State of Wisconsin 1991-1992 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 916. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  23. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1993). "Elections" (PDF). In Barish, Lawrence S.; Theobald, H. Rupert (eds.). State of Wisconsin 1993-1994 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 923. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  24. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1995). "Elections" (PDF). In Barish, Lawrence S. (ed.). State of Wisconsin 1995-1996 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 923. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  25. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1997). "Elections" (PDF). In Barish, Lawrence S. (ed.). State of Wisconsin 1997-1998 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 905. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  26. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (1999). "Elections" (PDF). In Barish, Lawrence S.; Meloy, Patricia E. (eds.). State of Wisconsin 1999-2000 Blue Book (Report). State of Wisconsin. p. 883. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
Wisconsin State Assembly
Preceded byMember of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 70th district
January 3, 1975 January 3, 1983
Succeeded by
Preceded byMember of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 60th district
January 3, 1983 January 7, 1985
Succeeded by
Preceded byMember of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 70th district
January 7, 1985 January 1, 2001
Succeeded by