Submitted photo.
Date Published: May 23, 2018
Dan and Kathi Hlasny have been married for fourteen years. Dan was born and raised in Price County while Kathi is from West Allis, Wisconsin and moved to this area in 1976. Dan is an operations leader, and Kathi is a freelance photographer. They have a total of four children and seven grandchildren.
Even though Dan and Kathi did not meet until later in their lives, they had some similar childhood experiences. Each of them were unique in the fact that they grew up with red hair. They also both remember going fishing with their dads, which are special memories for each of them, and they both admitted they miss their late fathers dearly.
When asked what they wished they had known at 18, Dan and Kathi said they should have known to listen to their elders more, because the advice they gave would have made their road through life more simple. "We now know they were much smarter han we gave them credit for."
If they could give advice to the younger generation now, Dan and Kathi would want them to never give up on themselves. "Times can get tough and look hopeless but that changes down the road, and if you believe in what you are doing, you will succeed!"
As adults, Dan and Kathi are both passionate about the Constitution, especially the 2nd Amendment. They are Christians who do their best to follow God's direction for them.
Some of their favorite tangible things include Kathi's camera, their fishing boat, their RV for camping, their Bible, and their motorcycle.
The thing that brings this couple the most happiness is simply spending time together. "We really enjoy being with each other so anything where we can do it together is what makes us happy," they both agreed.
Something Dan & Kathi enjoy doing together every year is attending the Surgis motorcycle rally. As an added vacation, last year they also went tot he Northern California redwoods and stated it was "breathtaking, to say the least."
Dan and Kathi both believe in the Golden Rule of "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" and find it important to "pay it forward." One way they pay it forward is by volunteering for many things over the years, including teaching snowmobile and ATV safety courses, helping with events at the VFW Post Canteen, and the annual Putt Run, of which Dan is a co-founder and Kathi is a coordinator.
The Putt Run, in its 18th year, is a scenic Northwoods motorcycle ride, which is the favorite hobby of the Hlasnys. "We love to ride our motorcycle the most because it is great to get together with friends and offers the freedom to clear out minds of all the complications life throws at us these days," Dan shared.
As for some history of the event, Kathi explained, "This annual event started 18 years ago when JP and Dan got together with fellow bikers for a 'just for fun' motorcycle run called 'Off Your Butt and On Your Putt.' The name was naturally shortened to what is now known as the 'Putt Run' by riders as they shared the news of this ride with other bikers. One year later, by adding some prize drawings and a charity cause, it gave an avenue to directly give back to the community as well as giving purpose to this annual ride."
Dan and Kathi said they feel bikers are some of the most caring and generous people who are always willing to help. Dan said he waits for the day when people learn the true value of bikers, "most of who have a heart of gold and are willing to help out or carry on traditions that will enrich the future for deserving people in need." As bikers themselves, Dan and Kathi said their goal is to "help veterans that have given so much to this country. The very least we can do is help them with their vision to get their veterans' community building updated and in safe working order. The senior aged veterans at this VFW Post need some help to accomplish this task."
The Putt Run is Saturday, June 2, 2018, starting at 9:30 a.m. with departure time of 11:30 a.m. from the VFW Hall in Phillips. Whether you have a bike or not, you are welcome to attend this event.
Written By: Lynne Bohn
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