Denny Hachenberg

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Dennis “Denny” Hachenberg, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and respected healthcare leader.

Born on August 17, 1946, in Newark, New Jersey, Denny was lovingly adopted by Newt and Venita Hachenberg, whose unwavering love and guidance shaped the man he became. Grateful throughout his life for the family and opportunities they provided, Denny carried their values of compassion, integrity, and service into everything he did.

He graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1964 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Central Missouri before pursuing a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration, launching a distinguished healthcare career that would span more than 50 years.

Denny served in a variety of healthcare leadership roles, including hospital CEO and administrator. A visionary leader, trusted mentor, and tireless advocate for quality patient care, he earned numerous professional honors throughout his career, including the prestigious Charles S. Billings Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Kansas Hospital Association. Yet those who knew him best understood that his greatest achievement was the impact he had on people. He believed healthcare was ultimately about caring for others with dignity, respect, and humanity, and his influence extended far beyond the hospitals he served.

While Denny was deeply committed to his profession, his greatest joy was always his family.

He shared a beautiful and enduring love with his wife, Sheila McCoy, who was his partner, confidante, and best friend. Together they built a life centered on faith, love, laughter, and family. After meeting Sheila, Denny embraced the Catholic faith, which became a cornerstone of his life and guided the way he worked, loved, and served others.

He was a proud father to Blair Hachenberg, Keri (John) Herring, and Glen (Lindsay) Hachenberg, and a devoted Papa to Brooke, Aiden, Amelia, Madeline, Lucas, Barrett, Morgan, Alexandra, and Julia. Nothing brought Denny greater joy than his family. He treasured every opportunity to attend activities, share stories, offer guidance, and celebrate life’s milestones with his children and grandchildren. His children and grandchildren knew him as a constant source of love, encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering support.

He also shared a special bond with his sister, Susie Lindman, and loved being an uncle to his nephew, Matthew Finn.

Denny’s love extended to the many animals who shared his life. Puddy, Gizmo, Ty, Townes, Telle, Chapin, Magill, and Sweetie were beloved members of the family who brought him comfort, companionship, and joy throughout the years.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Newt and Venita Hachenberg, and by his in-laws, Don and Jane McCoy, whom he loved dearly and with whom he shared a close and treasured bond. To Sheila’s family, Denny was one of the greatest gifts she ever brought into their lives.

Music was one of Denny’s lifelong passions and provided the soundtrack to many treasured memories. Together, Denny and Sheila became familiar faces in the music community, spending countless evenings at B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ, Knuckleheads, and traveling on the LRBC Blues Cruises with friends who shared their passion for music. Their enthusiasm even led them to purchase a beloved “shack” in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where they could be closer to the music, culture, and artists that meant so much to them. For Denny, music was a source of joy, connection, and adventure that enriched his life and deepened many lasting friendships.

Though his professional accomplishments were many, Denny will be remembered most for the way he lived—with humility, generosity, integrity, and love. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the friendships he nurtured, the healthcare professionals he mentored, and the countless lives he touched.

While our hearts ache in his absence, we find comfort in the memories he gave us and the example he set. His life was one of purpose, service, faith, and love—a life well lived and a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Denny was deeply loved, profoundly respected, and will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 10, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions in Denny’s honor to organizations that reflected his passions for service, music, and animal welfare:

• Bishop Sullivan Center⁠ www.bishopsullivan.org

• Center for Recorded Music / The Listyning Room www.c4rm.org

• Kansas City Blues Society⁠ www.blueskc.org

• Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue www.pawsitivetailskc.org

• Clarksdale Animal Rescue Effort & Shelter www.caresclarksdale.com