Hayden L. Beach

Hayden Lee Beach was born on July 23, 1992 to Richard and Patricia Beach (Gittens). He grew up in Dakota, MN, a small, close knit loving community. He graduated from La Crescent High School and was already working in his life long field of choice which was food service. He quickly moved up to cooking and managing kitchens. His dream was to travel and see the world while sampling, enjoying and learning different cuisines. He started on this journey and cooked on an Island in Lake Erie and then at a historical hotel in the mountains of Yosemite. Sadly life happened and Hayden was diagnosed with cancer. He returned to the community he grew up in and loved, to be with family while getting treatment. That didn't stop him from doing what he loved. He worked every chance he could at the Time Out Tavern in La Crescent where they, with great compassion, accommodated his schedule to when he was feeling well enough to work. We thought we had gotten our miracle and he had beaten the odds. Sadly in the end, God was ready for him sooner than we wanted.

If Hayden wasn't working with food, talking about food, watching cooking shows or having weekly supper with his family he could be found with his many, many friends. His joy in life was giving that big smile, making people laugh, having great conversations and if he had a chance scaring anyone that let their guard down! (That may have been his favorite).

Beyond his many friends, his family was his love. His nieces and nephews brought him so much joy. He loved to tease them as much as he could and they were so lucky because he actually loved spending time with them and making them feel special. His aunts, uncles and cousins meant the world to him.

Hayden was preceded in death by his sister Hillary and his grandparents. Left to miss and remember him are his parents, his brother Loren Beach (Jodi Halverson) his sisters Cynthia Elsen (Mark) and Frances Teske (Andrew). His nieces and nephews he loved are Riley, Johanna and Andrew Beach, Emma and Vincent Elsen, Della and Rose Teske.

If you were lucky enough to meet Hayden, you know you felt he was a friend for life so we are sure those in Heaven have already been laughing, chatting and possibly getting pranked a bit by that new guy in the room who is now their friend, our Hayden.

 Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse. A short memorial service will begin at 1:30 pm at the funeral home followed by a gathering at the Dakota Community Center.