Meet the Team

Managing Partner

Stephanie Laitala–Rupp

Since March 2003

“What our guests talk about most is that this is the first time in their life they have relaxed. They are not checking their phones to see who emailed them or texted them–they leave it in their room. They don’t think about it. They think about who they are with.”

General Manager

Chris Gaylord

Front of House Manager

Denise DeGidio

Denise has a long history with Stout’s Island Lodge and has been working in the Hospitality industry for nearly 35 years. In 1998, Denise spent four years living and managing at Stout’s Island, even braving winters with her husband as caretakers of the lodge in the off season. She has worked all areas of the industry and is currently teaching Hospitality Foundations, a program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake. Denise is looking forward to returning to a management role on the Island of Happy Days and to continue sharing her love for Stout’s with the guests of this magical island that she once called home.

Head Housekeeper

Brenda Poppe

Since May 2015 (Housekeeper since May 2009)

“Being a part of the experiences our guests have on the Island makes every day more joyful than the last. I can’t wait to start each season–by January each year I am itching to get back to the Island.”

Island Gardener

Kelly McRaith

Since Forever

“I have been creating/planting the gardens for over 20 years on Beautiful Red Cedar Lake. The lodge and grounds are truly a unique experience for all of our guests that visit Stout’s Island Lodge. My job is a Labor of Love–it gives me great pleasure to hear and see guests enjoying their stay at our beloved ‘ Island of Happy Days’.”