Meet Dennis Klokow
Dennis Klokow is a baker. Some say baking is a sacred activity, but why does Dennis do it? Is it the satisfaction of creating something wonderful from a few ingredients? Does it remind him of a loved one he used to cook with? For Dennis, baking is his love and passion, and the end result keeps him motivated. He believes his famous buns bring the community together, whether at a picnic, graduation or family gathering. Every time he bakes his famous buns, he gives us a little part of himself, and he loves seeing the look on someone’s face when they take that first bite and find out it tastes as good as it looks. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and road trips- short and long. His community has blessed him with many friends, new and old.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Happily married for 40+ years. We have 2 wonderful daughters and son-in-laws and 3 amazing grandchildren, and we are lucky to have them all living in the area.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started working at Dottie’s Bakery, as a Baker, around 1980. I did some schooling at Marquette University and WCTC. In 2001, I started at Sentry in Delafield. I just had my 21st anniversary there.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Casa Tequila in Pewaukee. We frequent many wonderful local restaurants, but we really love traveling to and trying different Supper Clubs.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in Stone Bank since 1963, and built our house there in 1986, in an area that was a corn field where I used to ride my minibike through as a kid.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Donald “Duke” Maynard of Dottie’s in Stone Bank- he’s been my mentor for the first 20 years of my adult life- we consider him family.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Dances With Wolves movie, and the TV show Yellowstone.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Work hard and put your time in. If you want nice things, work hard…
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The former Volunteer Stone Bank Fire Department. It was a huge part of my childhood with my father, brothers and friends, and brought our community together.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I do work a lot of hours, so given the opportunity, I really enjoy going to lunch with my wife. We love road trips and finding new places to eat and visit.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
How people gravitate back to it. They go to college, leave for new jobs, but so many come back to live their lives and raise their families here.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Retiring and traveling this beautiful state of WI and spending more time with family.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m good at Jeopardy, I love cars, I smoke meats, really enjoy gardening, and I play a little guitar.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A 427 Ford Cobra.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, Dori…
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Relaxing, enjoyment, family.
