TOLEDO, Iowa (September 2025) – The community of Toledo and all who have cherished the annual Holiday Hoopla celebrations are mourning the loss of Dennis Dostal, whose passing has left a void that will be deeply felt this year and for many holiday seasons to come.

Known affectionately as the man behind the horses, Dennis was more than just a familiar face at Holiday Hoopla—he was its heartbeat, spreading joy and wonder to children and families through his beloved horses.

A Gentle Spirit with a Love for Horses
For Dennis, horses were more than animals; they were companions, partners, and a source of happiness he loved to share with others. Children in particular gravitated toward the beauty and majesty of his horses, their faces lighting up as Dennis guided them in meeting, petting, or riding these gentle animals.

Year after year, families attending Holiday Hoopla looked forward to this simple but magical experience. Dennis’s warm smile, kind demeanor, and patient way with children made every encounter memorable.

For many, he turned what might have been just another holiday outing into a lasting childhood memory. Parents often remarked that seeing their children interact with Dennis’s horses became one of the most treasured parts of the season.

The Spirit of Holiday Hoopla
Holiday Hoopla has long been a cherished tradition, bringing light, warmth, and festive cheer to Toledo and the surrounding area. At the center of it all, Dennis played a role that cannot be measured in statistics or awards. His contribution was in the laughter of children, the sparkle in their eyes, and the sense of community his presence created.

In many ways, Dennis embodied the true meaning of the season—generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving without expecting anything in return. Families may not remember every parade or every decoration from years past, but they will remember Dennis and his horses, faithfully sharing their magic with everyone who came.

A Legacy of Joy and Community
Those who knew Dennis outside of Holiday Hoopla speak of the same qualities that made him so beloved in the community. He was a man of warmth and humility, someone who found purpose in bringing happiness to others. Whether it was through his horses, his friendships, or his everyday interactions, Dennis carried with him an openness and sincerity that touched countless lives.

He will be remembered not only for the horses he brought each year, but also for the spirit he carried with him—the spirit of giving, of community, and of joy. His absence this holiday season will be especially profound, as families gather for Hoopla and feel the space where Dennis and his horses once stood.

Gratitude and Remembrance
The community has expressed deep gratitude for the years of dedication Dennis gave to Holiday Hoopla. Organizers, families, and friends alike have reflected on how his simple act of sharing the beauty of his horses grew into a tradition that defined the event for so many. His legacy will live on in the memories of children who grew up experiencing that joy, many of whom will now carry his example forward into their own lives and traditions.

Holiday Hoopla will continue, but it will never quite be the same without Dennis. His contributions went beyond entertainment; they created moments of connection, wonder, and love.

A Final Farewell
As the community prepares for another holiday season, it does so with heavy hearts and deep appreciation. While his horses may no longer grace the streets of Holiday Hoopla, the memory of Dennis Dostal will always remain a part of the event’s spirit. His gift was not just in the animals he brought, but in the way he reminded everyone—young and old alike—that the holidays are about joy, togetherness, and love.

Thank you, Dennis, for the warmth, magic, and countless smiles. You will be truly missed, but never forgotten.