Roland Deininger, Who Brought French Cooking to New Glarus, Dies at 85
Born in wartime France and trained in European kitchens, he built a career from Paris to Chicago before opening Deininger’s in New Glarus, where he and his family became part of the community for decades.
– Obituary courtesy of Saether Funeral Service
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.
Remaining content is for members only.
Please become a free member to unlock this article and more content.
Subscribe NowSign up for our New Glarus 360 newsletters
Breaking news, things to do and alumni updates—delivered.
