Stephen Dennis

Stephen (Steve/Lugger) Karl Dennis, 75, passed away on Oct. 23, 2016, at Milestone Senior Living Memory Care Facility in Eau Claire, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.  
He was born on Aug. 27, 1941, in Eau Claire, to Roy and Mary (Walter) Dennis. Steve was the fourth of seven children. He married Kathleen (Kathy) Ronningen on Aug. 3, 1974, in Hammond. Together they had two sons, Todd and Paul.
Steve graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1959, where he lettered in football and wrestling. Following high school, Lugger began a career in refrigeration and pipe fitting at Benedict Refrigeration Service Inc. John Benedict remains a lifelong friend of the family. Lugger worked as a union pipefitter for 35 years on many jobsites in the Upper Midwest before retiring in 2001. He was an active member, elected president, during a period in the 1990s, of UA Local 385 (later UA Local 434) for 50 years. Steve enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. Karl Walter, his special uncle, was an avid partner, joining him on fishing trips to Canada and hunting trips to Northern Wisconsin and out West. His sons and best friends/fellow fitters, Larry Rehberg and Wayne Johnson, accompanied him on many hunting and fishing adventures.  
Steve’s life is continued through his wife of 42 years, Kathy; sons and daughter-in-law, Todd and Paul (Tara) Dennis,; granddaughter, Anne; brothers, Edgar (Carolyn), Patrick, Jim (Barb) and Richard (Vicki); sister, Kathleen (Dick) Zimmerman; many nieces and nephews; numerous cousins.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mary Dennis; brother, Michael; father-in-law and mother-in-law; John and JoAnn Ronningen.
A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the VFW Post 305 on Starr Ave in Eau Claire. Smith Funeral Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.  
His family wishes to express special thanks to his primary provider, Dr. Dennis Auth, and the caring staff at Milestone Memory Care. Their awesome team did a great job of taking care of Steve; thank you, Chris, Esther, Haleigh, Kirsten, Robbie, Sandra, Shantel, Kelly and Emily.
Memorials preferred directed to Shriner’s Hospital, 2025 East River Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55414 or to Leader-Telegram 2016 Warm the Children Fund, 701 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire WI  54702.
Friends and family may leave condolences online at www.smithfuneralec.com.