Stephen (Steve/Lugger) Karl Dennis, age 75, passed away on October 23, 2016 at Milestone Senior Living Memory Care Facility in Eau Claire, WI due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on August 27, 1941 in Eau Claire, to Roy and Mary (Walter) Dennis. Steve was the 4th of 7 children. He married Kathleen (Kathy) Ronningen on August 3, 1974 in Hammond, WI. 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 job sites 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 WI 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, and granddaughter, Anne. Stephen is survived by his brothers; Edgar (Carolyn), Patrick, Jim (Barb), and Richard (Vicki); sister, Kathleen (Dick) Zimmerman; many nieces & nephews; and numerous cousins.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; Roy and Mary Dennis, his brother; Michael, and father-in-law and mother-in-law; John and JoAnn Ronningen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the VFW Post 305 on Starr Ave in Eau Claire from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Smith Funeral Chapel is assisting 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.