Mitchell C. Hochhausen

Mitchell Carl “Mitch” Hochhausen, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, entered the next phase of his journey on May 22, 2021. Mitch was a very strong believer in Jesus. We take comfort in trusting where this next phase will begin.
He was born on May 27, 1957, to Jupe and Lila (Shaben) Hochhausen. They raised him in the great little river town of Cassville, WI. His upbringing in Cassville planted the seeds of his lifelong passion for music, hunting, fishing, and boating. Although playing from the rooftop of the Cassville drive-in was quite memorable for Mitch and others, perhaps the most momentous gig of his youth was when he spotted a young Beth Reinecke while looking down from the stage at a Potosi High School dance. He later met her on a double-blind date, ending with a date swap that allowed their instant connection to evolve into a fun-filled life together.
After graduating high school, Mitch moved to LaCrosse, WI, where he spent some of his hours in class at Western Wisconsin Technical College and a great deal of time building a reputation as possibly the region’s best bass guitarist of his time. He ultimately chose to forego the life of a Rockstar to get married and start a family with Beth near his roots, in Potosi. His time at WWTC nevertheless paid off as he had a 40-year career in information technology, ending with his retirement in 2017.
Although not formally a rockstar, Mitch was a local rock legend, having been a founding member in several bands including Bullit, Spunk, Silver Spigot, Bamboo Steamers, Not 2 Shabby, and Sail Cat Sam. Anyone who has seen him play bass will never forget his signature stage moves. His devotion to music, his hometown, and the river were also demonstrated through his philanthropic participation in organizing the annual Cassville Park Preservation Party for many years.
Mitch thoroughly enjoyed many deer hunting and fishing seasons spent in Northern Wisconsin with family and friends. He also found great joy catching every Packers, Badgers, and Brewers game he could. His greatest joy in life, however, was spending time with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He was fortunate to have a multitude of opportunities to share his love for music, fishing, joke-telling, and boating with his family and this legacy will no doubt be carried forward.
Mitch is survived by his wife Beth; children Nicole (Morgan) Keedy, Natolie (Ty) Sowle, and Nakila (Mark) Reuter; grandchildren Naya, Lila, Deacon, and Kaleb; mother, Lila; sister, Kim and brother, Brad (Jenny); and many beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jupe, father-in-law, Bill, mother-in-law, Rita, and brother-in-law, Paul.
The family would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the agencies and individuals who devoted their time, energy, expertise, and warmth during the search efforts, including but not limited to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Potosi and Cassville EMS and Fire Departments, Iowa and Wisconsin DNR, Dubuque Sheriff’s Office, Sherrill Rescue Boat, Brent and Angie Flesch, Dustin and Krystle Ambort, “Catfish Bob” Haberkorn, Gary and Tammy Ames, Father Leffler, and Roger Scholbrock.
Family and friends may gather from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Holiday Gardens Event Center in Potosi, WI. Martin Schwartz Funeral Homes & Crematory of Lancaster, WI is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to support the continued expansion of the Riverside Park in Cassville, WI, a cause that was near and dear to Mitch’s heart. Checks payable to Cassville Park Preservation may be sent directly to Royal Bank Cassville, 201 East Amelia St., Cassville WI, 53806.