Dennis Hastert

Birth Name: John Dennis Hastert

Place of Birth: Aurora, Illinois, U.S.

Date of Birth: January 2, 1942

Ethnicity: Luxembourgish, Norwegian, Swiss-German, German

Dennis Hastert is an American politician, lobbyist, high school teacher, wrestling coach, and convicted felon. A Republican, he served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, from January 6, 1999 to January 3, 2007; he is the longest-serving Repuublican Speaker. He was also a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois, from January 3, 1987 to November 26, 2007, House Republican Chief Deputy Whip, from January 3, 1995 to January 3, 1999, and Leader of the House Republican Conference, from January 6, 1999 to January 3, 2007. He is the highest-ranking U.S. official to have spent time in incarceration.

Speaker Hastert is the son of Naomi Wilhemina and Jack Hastert. His family owned a farm and a farming supply business, as well as The Clock Tower, a restaurant in Plainfield. He was raised in a rural community. He is married to Jean Kahl, with whom he has two children.

Speaker Hastert’s paternal grandfather was named John Joseph Hastert (the son of Christian Hastert). John was born in Aurora, Illinois. Christian was born in Osweiler, Echternach, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg, the son of Peter Hastert and Elizabeth Wagener.

Speaker Hastert’s paternal grandmother was Borjhild/Borghild Theresa Lund (the daughter of Christian Helge “Chris” Lund and Oline Christensen). Borjhild was born in Alpena, Michigan, to Norwegian parents.

Speaker Hastert’s maternal grandfather was named John Henry Nussle (the son of Henry Nussle and Wilhemina). John was born in Pennsylvania. Speaker Hastert’s great-grandfather Henry was Swiss-German, the son of Matilda. Wilhemina was born in Pennsylvania, to German parents.

Speaker Hastert’s maternal grandmother was named Laura Haug. Laura was born in Pennsylvania.

Sources: Genealogy of Dennis Hastert (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Speaker Hastert’s father – https://www.findagrave.com

Birth record of Speaker Hastert’s mother – https://www.familysearch.org

Speaker Hastert’s maternal grandfather, John Henry Nussle, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org