The entire city of Austin is mourning the loss of Dennis L. Maschka, who died Sunday afternoon.

“He was a part of my life” … “He was a man of vision”… “He helped plant over 2,400 trees” … “He was a ‘can-do’ man,” co-workers and close associates say.

Maschka, 62, died shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday of complications endured after surgery two weeks ago. He was surrounded by his family at the time of death.

Maschka was the hard-working and always positive-thinking executive director of the Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

He joined the department in 1975 and replaced Bob Auer as the department’s director in 1992.

“He was awesome,” said Kim Underwood, the department’s secretary and office manager. “We worked together for 26 years. He was like family.

“He will be missed by all of us,” Underwood said.

Darlene Thaisen, chairperson of the city’s park board, praised Maschka as a man of vision.

“I felt Denny was a man of vision for the city,” said Thaisen. “So much of what the city has is because of him.”

Thaisen went on to list some of the things Maschka helped bring to fruition in the city.

“His work with Spruce Up Austin, the Tree City USA awards, the basketball courts at Rotary Centennial Park, moving the baseball diamonds to Riverland Community College, soccer fields, you name it and Denny has a part in those projects as well as maintaining the city’s park system,” Thaisen said.

According to Thaisen, Maschka was spearheading the creation of Hormel Plaza, a new park recognition of Geo. A. Hormel, the founder of Hormel Foods Corporation.

“He wanted the Veterans Pavilion and Austin Community Bandshell Park to be the anchor of a central park for the city, but didn’t live to see that happen,” she said.

Maschka’s work with SUA, Inc. was an integral part of the organization’s success: SUA, Inc. planted trees in public places as part of its community betterment agenda.

At the time of his deal, Melanie Faust was vice president of the board of directors.

In a statement on behalf of the SUA, Inc. board of directors, Faust expressed the organization’s grief at his passing:

“Denny Maschka, president of Spruce Up Austin (SUA) has been a dedicated member of SUA for 18 years. During this time, Denny and his fellow members planted 2,400 trees in our community. Denny Maschka has helped make our community a beautiful place to live; he will be greatly missed.”

Lastly, Jim Hurm, Austin’s city administrator, issued a statement on behalf of the city: “We at the City are saddened with the passing of Denny Maschka. Denny has been the central figure in the growth of our parks and recreation functions … What a legacy he leaves. But beyond his value to the City, Denny was very active in community affairs. He was seen just about any place help was needed in the community. He was a ‘can do’ person who will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with Linda and his family.”

Funeral arrangements are pending with Mayer Funeral Home of Austin.