[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 7 (Friday, January 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E20]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JOE HENGSTLER

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BRITTANY PETTERSEN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2026

  Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joe Hengstler, the 
Executive Director of Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District, 
who sadly passed away on September 23, 2025 after his battle with 
esophageal cancer.
  Joe was affectionately known as ``The Mayor of Olde Town.'' He was 
instrumental in establishing the heart and soul of Arvada's most iconic 
and historic destination. Friends, family, and community members knew 
Joe as a true leader who was always ready to pick up a shovel and get 
to work to put his projects into action.
  Joe cultivated a thriving hub for local businesses. During the COVID-
19 pandemic, Joe transformed Olde Town to ensure that business owners 
had the tools and environment to persevere through economic hardship. 
Olde Town innovated and implemented new physical distancing rules and 
created unique events to bring the community to Olde Town. The 
community showed up for the small businesses while still prioritizing 
safety. This innovation and our community's support for small 
businesses had a lasting impact as Olde Town continues to thrive.
  Joe will be remembered for his enthusiasm, ambition, and optimism. He 
is survived by his wife, Megan, their daughter Juniper, his mother 
Camilla Hengstler, his sister Erika Huber, and his brother Bob 
Hengstler. I know I join our community in my hope that Joe's loved ones 
continue to find comfort in the stories that friends and family are 
sharing. He undoubtedly had an impact on those around him, and in that 
way, he'll continue to live on with us.

                          ____________________