Arvada Press: Remembering Olde Town’s “Mayor,” Joe Hengstler

Arvada Press | Rylee Dunn | October 9, 2025

If you’ve spent enough time in Olde Town Arvada, chances are you were lucky enough to be greeted by the historic district’s de facto mayor, Joe Hengstler. If he had a minute to spare, he’d sit and catch up; if he didn’t, he’d find another time. Either way, he made it known that he cared. 

No one quite embodied the spirit of Olde Town Arvada like Joe. Exceedingly kind, ambitious, optimistic and hard-working, Joe transformed Olde Town from a quaint collection of shops to a bustling community hotspot that’s become a destination in the Denver metro area. 

Joe passed away on Sept. 23 after an 18-month battle with esophageal cancer. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Megan Reder, their daughter Juniper, his mother Camila, brother Bob, sister Erika Huber and numerous nieces and nephews. He was 42. 

“Joe and I met in high school when he had long curly hair and wore Grateful Dead shirts down to his knees,” Megan said. “I got to know him more when I would see his band play. Joe’s presence could light up any room. His laughter was infectious, his enthusiasm boundless — I was smitten. 

“A talented drummer and devoted concertgoer, music was one of his greatest joys — something we had in common,” Megan continued. “He relished time outdoors — hiking, biking, and camping whenever possible. But above all else, he loved being a dad. Whether it was exploring nature trails or playing at parks with his daughter Juniper — usually followed by Scrumptious ice cream — Joe held these moments close to his heart.”

Born in Highland Park, Illinois, Joe was raised in Valparaiso, Indiana. After completing his undergraduate studies at Roosevelt University in Chicago, he earned a master’s degree at the University of Colorado, bringing him to the Centennial State. 

For eight years, Joe worked at Crown Trophy Arvada, where he became acquainted with the local community. In 2018, Joe was hired to lead the Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District, a nongovernmental body that oversees events, strategy and advocacy for the city’s historic district.

Read the full article at the Arvada Press