From heartbreak to hope, couple turns tragic loss into new beginning

Chris Rugowski

Contributor

June 15, 2026

HORTONVILLE – A new gathering space has opened on Main Street in Hortonville.

P4:13 Wine & Spirits Lounge (208 W. Main St.), Owners Dennis and Aimee Hagen said, aims to be a place for people to meet, connect with friends and enjoy food and drinks.

The Hagens said the lounge is not meant to be “just another bar,” but a space centered on people, connection and community.

Aimee said the goal is to create an environment where people can celebrate life’s moments, support one another and spend meaningful time together in a welcoming setting.

She said the lounge will offer wine, cocktails, mocktails and charcuterie, with an emphasis on fostering conversation and a comfortable atmosphere for guests.

Deeper meaning

The name P4:13, Aimee said, comes from the Bible verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The verse, she said, carries a deeper meaning and personal significance for them – guiding them “through both joyful moments and some of life’s greatest challenges.”

“One of the most difficult challenges we have ever faced was losing our son, Dayton, in a tragic car accident,” she said.

Aimee said in the midst of overwhelming grief, their faith became an anchor, and Philippians 4:13 served as a reminder that even in difficult moments, strength is available to move forward.

From that journey of faith, she said, came P4:13 Wine & Spirits Lounge, which she described as representing perseverance, hope, faith and the importance of cherishing every moment and relationship. 

The Hagens said the memory of Dayton – who they said had a heart for people, loved making others laugh and had a natural ability to bring people together – is woven into every part of the business.

Aimee said P4:13 is not defined by loss but by love, resilience and gratitude, serving as a reminder that life is precious and meant to be shared with others.

The Hagens said they want P4:13 to be a welcoming space where people feel they belong, whether celebrating, reconnecting with friends or simply unwinding.

The journey to here

Aimee said starting a business was always a back-burner idea, with ownership of a wine establishment remaining a “someday” goal.

She said she envisioned a space for wine and meaningful conversation, though she never fully believed it would happen.

“This is a completely new journey for us, and one we have approached with a lot of prayer, faith and determination,” she said. 

Before P4:13, Aimee said neither she nor Dennis had owned a business, but an unexpected opportunity helped turn her dream into reality.

The building now home to P4:13, she said, belonged to Dennis’s aunt, who passed away in 2025.

Inheriting the property following her death, Aimee said the couple viewed it as an unexpected opportunity to turn their dream into reality – something they were determined not to let slip away.

“Having a physical building allowed us to finally pursue something that had long been on our hearts,” she said.

Aimee said this meant they could finally create something unique for the community – a place that encourages people to slow down, reconnect and enjoy one another’s company.

She said slowing down means learning to “breathe it all in,” and hopes P4:13 provides that experience.

“Life moves fast,” she said. “We are constantly rushing from one responsibility to the next, often missing the beauty of the moments happening right in front of us. We wanted to create a space where people can pause, be present and appreciate both the big and small blessings in life.”


Built for connection 

Aimee said she believes P4:13’s offerings – wine, cocktails, mocktails and charcuterie boards (which range in size from eight to 14 inches with a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and crackers) – encourage conversation and connection because it’s meant to be shared.

“It’s about lingering a little longer, enjoying another bite, having one more conversation and being present for the people sitting beside you,” she said.

Standing out in a sea of similar venues, Aimee said, comes naturally for P4:13.

Though it offers wines, handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, she said the focus is not on what is served in a glass, but on what is shared between people.

“It’s about how people feel when they walk through our doors,” she said. “Every detail has been intentionally designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests feel comfortable. They’ll spread the word, and they’ll keep coming back with friends and family.”


The Hagens said their faith played a central role in leading them to this point, and is also shaping the events they plan to host, including Bourbon & The Bible men’s gatherings.

The couple said they hope local groups, organizations, ministries and individuals will use P4:13 as a space for Bible studies, book clubs, meetings and small group gatherings.

Additional events, Aimee said, are also planned as the business grows, including:

• Wine Nights for Women
• Wine tastings
• Bourbon tastings
• Educational pairing events
• Community social gatherings

Community response


Aimee said community support for the business has been “nothing short of incredible,” noting that from the moment they shared their vision, people embraced the journey alongside them.

“We’ve received countless messages of encouragement [and] watched neighbors share our excitement,” she said. “We’ve also seen local businesses and residents rally around us in ways we never expected.”

The Hagens said they are deeply grateful for the support they’ve received and humbled by the excitement surrounding P4:13.

Aimee said it has been especially meaningful to hear community members express enthusiasm for a place to gather, connect and feel at home – feedback that confirms why they began the journey.

“We want people to know they belong here, and we truly want them here,” she said. “We hope that P4:13 becomes more than a wine and spirits lounge. Life gives us plenty of challenges, but it also gives us countless blessings. Sometimes we simply need to slow down enough to notice them.”

Find P4:13 Wine & Spirits Lounge on Facebook for more details.