Town Chairman Dan Hein is Sheboygan's longest serving public servant
He was first elected to public office at age 27
TOWN OF SHEBOYGAN — The longest serving public servant in Sheboygan County has no intention of retiring.
For over 26 years as Town Chairman, 70-year-old Dan Hein has overseen the Town of Sheboygan’s growth. But his passion for public service dates back to when he was just 27 years old. Hein has worked much of his life to better the community but it has not been without pain. When he was 13, a freak accident sent him to the hospital where doctors gave him a 20% chance of survival.
The Wonder Years
Hein was born to Marion Hein and Norbert Hein in November 1954. He grew up in the city’s Ellis Historic Neighborhood. Growing up, he enjoyed playing baseball and football. He played on the Menzer Glass baseball team, the 1967 Season Champions of the Rookie League.
In the summer of 1968, Hein was hitching a boat to his father’s car. The boat slipped off the hitch and fell on his foot. As a result, he got a big gash. Later that day, 13-year-old Hein went water skiing, an activity he loved as a child. Nine days later, he experienced pain in his foot. Doctors discovered he had a staph infection and it ate away at his joint. His body was starting to shut down and he was taken to UW Health in Madison.
After pulling through, doctors put Hein in a body cast for some two and a half years. He wasn’t able to walk again until he was 17 years old.
Hein graduated in 1973 from Sheboygan South High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from Concordia University in Mequon. He was a supervisor at Northland Plastics and later became the Plant Manager.
A life of public service
At age 27, Hein was first elected to the Sheboygan County Board of Supervisors in 1982, becoming the youngest supervisor in the county’s history. He was unopposed but still received 130 votes. He represented the 16th District, covering the north-central part of the city. He resigned in May 1985 when he moved to the Town of Sheboygan with his wife Susan Hein.
At age 31, he ran again for the County Board in 1986 and pulled off an upset by defeating long-time Supervisor John S. Serketich, who had served for 36 years. Recognizing the need to protect the Town of Sheboygan from the city’s ever increasing land grabs, Hein decided to run for Town Supervisor in 1991.
Hein was running for his fourth term as Town Supervisor in 1997 but lost to challenger David Black. Two years later, he would face Black again but this time, both were campaigning to replace retiring Chairman Gerald Sampson. "I believe this upcoming election is critical to the future of our township," Hein said in a letter to voters. "Having the experience and education enables me to responsibly and honestly lead our township into the next millennium." At the age of 44, Hein was elected Town Chairman on April 6th, 1999. He ended up receiving 61% of the vote.
Growing the town
Hein has been steadfast in growing the Town of Sheboygan. He has led the fight against the City of Sheboygan’s attempts to annex town land. He worked with Walmart to ensure they build the store within the town limits and the land would not be annexed into the city. As a result, the town’s tax base grew.
In 2000, the town’s population grew by 51.9% to 5,874 from 3,866 in 1990. In 2010, the population grew by 20% to 7,721. In 2020, the town’s population was 8,136 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“We have a lot of growth, a lot of subdivisions,” said Hein. “A lot of great things are happening in the Town of Sheboygan and they continue to happen.” He noted the town’s business park is full and the 99-acre North Town development is moving right along as expected.
Hein would like to see a sports complex be built in the town. He is also working to develop the vacant property on County Road J near Highway 42. Walmart purchased the property in 2014 and had plans to build a Sam’s Club store. Walmart will not sell the land unless they approve development plans which means the land won’t be developed into retail space. Hein is not happy with how the property looks but has been working to force Walmart to maintain it.
According to Hein, he credits the town’s success and growth to the past and current Town Board Supervisors as well as employees. Many of which have also dedicated their lives to advancing the town.
What does a Town Chairman do?
The City of Sheboygan has an elected Mayor, the Village of Kohler has an elected President and the Town of Sheboygan has an elected Chairman. All serve as the leader of their respective municipality. Hein oversees Town Board meetings and is the Chair of the Plan Commission. He signs documents, agreements and payroll. He even has limited police powers. He manages the day-to-day operations of the town and has a busy schedule meeting with developers and business leaders.
The Town Chairman serves a two-year term, just like Town Supervisors. Hein’s annual salary is $15,000. For comparison, the City of Sheboygan taxpayers pay two men to lead their city. Mayor Ryan Sorenson’s salary in 2025 is $75,000 and will increase 3.5% every year until the end of his second term. City Administrator Casey Bradley receives an annual salary of $160,992.
“I’m blessed with a wonderful wife and family,” Hein shared with WKTS News. He is the proud father of two children and grandfather to five. “I feel truly fortunate.” Outside of his responsibilities with the town, Hein enjoys golfing, bowling, trap shooting, and hunting. Above all, he cherishes the time he spends with his family. Hein has been a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
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