Roland Deininger

Roland Jean Deininger, age 85 of New Glarus died peacefully on Friday afternoon, April 24, 2026 with his family by his side at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He was born on May 10, 1940 in Schirmeck, France to Guillaume Charles and Mathilde (Marzolf) Deininger. Roland’s father was a forest ranger, and the family lived in the French Vosges mountains. After his formal schooling he became an apprentice to be a chef. After his apprenticeship he served as a cook in the French military, most of his service was in Algeria. Following his military service he worked as a chef in Paris, France, Switzerland, and then came to the United States where he worked for 23 years as an executive chef at the Tavern Club in Chicago. While in Chicago he met Ursula Janssen who was from Germany. She was in the United States working as a nanny. They were married on November 30, 1964. Soon after his time in Chicago, he and his family moved to New Glarus in 1995 where they started Deininger’s restaurant which they operated for 10 years until 2005. Roland and Ursula retired and enjoyed traveling, moved into a new home in New Glarus, enjoyed helping his son Rene on remodeling work, loved cooking for friends and small groups, shooting pool, fishing, golfing, and helping friends with processing deer.

Roland is survived by his wife, Ursula of New Glarus; his son Rene (Sandy) Deininger of Blanchardville; two sisters, Marthe Marko and Doris (Gerard) Riedinger, both of Alsace, France; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Michel Deininger who died in 2002; and brothers, Charles and Jacques.

A gathering celebrating Roland’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at Blanchard Hall, 204 South Main Street in Blanchardville. Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com or on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.