This memorial website was created in memory of Steven Lonergan, who suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on February 24, 2021.
We will always love you.
We will always love you.
I met Steve at a Golf outing a few years ago. I liked him immediately because he made me feel like part of the group right away. We had just met but I felt like he was my friend. We have played golf several times since then and it has always been enjoyable. I will miss him.
I worked with Steve at E. W. Blanch in Chicago in the mid to late 80’s. He was a very bright guy with a big smile. Yes, he loved his music and his wine and a good cigar. I remember being at the house in Evanston and he had just discovered Whitney Houston-her first album. I think he played it three times while we were visiting and just reveled in her voice and lyrics. A very kind soul that was always incredibly friendly. My last great memory of being with Steve was at a Rolling Stones concert at the United Center. He flew in on business and we were planning to go to dinner-his eyes lit up and he said, “hey, I’ve got tickets to the Stones and you’re coming with me.” Steve loved his music. God bless him. Rest In Peace.
Steve was my first boss in the Atlanta office of E.W. Blanche Co., a reinsurance brokerage headquartered in Minneapolis (Bloomington). We became fast friends, gathering for everything from wine & cheese picnics in Chastain Park to hiking trips in the Joyce Kilmer National Forest. When our office was relocated to Stamford, CT, Steve, me and Jeff Nyweide roomed together in a rented house on Seaside Avenue in Stamford. So many great memories from such a fantastic friend. Thank you, Steve! May you rest in the Lord's glorious peace.
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Recent Tributes
I met Steve at a Golf outing a few years ago. I liked him immediately because he made me feel like part of the group right away. We had just met but I felt like he was my friend. We have played golf several times since then and it has always been enjoyable. I will miss him.
I worked with Steve at E. W. Blanch in Chicago in the mid to late 80’s. He was a very bright guy with a big smile. Yes, he loved his music and his wine and a good cigar. I remember being at the house in Evanston and he had just discovered Whitney Houston-her first album. I think he played it three times while we were visiting and just reveled in her voice and lyrics. A very kind soul that was always incredibly friendly. My last great memory of being with Steve was at a Rolling Stones concert at the United Center. He flew in on business and we were planning to go to dinner-his eyes lit up and he said, “hey, I’ve got tickets to the Stones and you’re coming with me.” Steve loved his music. God bless him. Rest In Peace.
Steve was my first boss in the Atlanta office of E.W. Blanche Co., a reinsurance brokerage headquartered in Minneapolis (Bloomington). We became fast friends, gathering for everything from wine & cheese picnics in Chastain Park to hiking trips in the Joyce Kilmer National Forest. When our office was relocated to Stamford, CT, Steve, me and Jeff Nyweide roomed together in a rented house on Seaside Avenue in Stamford. So many great memories from such a fantastic friend. Thank you, Steve! May you rest in the Lord's glorious peace.
Gallery
My dad and I at the Bald Mountain Lookout
his Life
Remembering Steven Mark Lonergan
Steve was born January 10, 1956 to Wallace Gunn Lonergan and Joan Penoyer Lonergan. Steve became a big brother when Kevin was born. Wally was a professor at University of Chicago and Joan was a Head Start teacher in Chicago.
Steve attended U of Chicago Lab School graduating in 1975. Being very tall, he played basketball of course! Growing up in Hyde Park made for many interesting stories of urban living many of them with his best friend Ralph Rolling, who very conveniently lived right on the block.
At just 16, Steve headed to Macalester University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Steve graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Economics and Psychology. Besides academics, Steve found a community of life long friends and membership in the Biergartners, who continue to gather regularly to share life and stories that inevitably get better with every telling.
Steve's greatest joy was his family. Following his marriage to Laura Reick, the family grew with the arrival of Tom, Nicole, Hailey and Mikayla. As Steve always said he wanted two children, Laura wanted three so they settled on four! Steve was so proud in the accomplishments of each of his children, but most importantly he was was over the top in pride for their caring and good hearts as they became young adults. Family zoom nights and family dinners were a highlight.
After his marriage ended, Steve met Pat Jensen and his family expanded to include her father, Jere, and her children Laura and Erik and their families. Steve adored children and granddaughter Jensen was his favorite sidekick, from water fights, trips to the zoo, nature walks, reading books and special games like wobbly bridge. Steve was just a kid at heart!
Steve was outgoing, welcoming, caring and generous with his heart and his time. He had an incredible knowledge of music no matter what genre, had an incredible memory for lyrics, artists and all things music (though he could not carry a tune himself!), played a mean air guitar and was trying to learn to play the ukulele. Steve loved a good cigar, could mix up a creative cocktail (or kiddy cocktail) and loved gathering with friends and family. Steve had a joke for any occasion, and had a huge collection of belts (none of which worked). Steve loved gatherings with the Biergartners and looked forward to the regular houseboat trips with lifelong friends. He loved golf and looked forward to the fall golf trips up north with the Master Blasters or just a quick round at the local course. He loved concerts at the MN Zoo with Sam and Linda. He and Pat bonded over a shared love for volleyball and travel, especially Sedona, and his need for a good navigator! He was generous and soft hearted, getting teary eyed at a good story. He loved good food, good wine, good music and good people and he was a friend to all.
Steve was preceded in death by his father (2018), his mother (2006), his brother (2013). Mourning Steve's passing are Pat Jensen and her family, his children Tom, Nicole, Hailey and Mikayla, their mother, Laura, and countless friends and family whose lives he touched in some way.
Private memorial services will be held to honor Steve and to honor his memory with joy and laughter as he would wish. Memorials can be directed to The Open Door Pantry in Eagan MN, where Steve enjoyed volunteering by distributing food and meals to those in need in our community or to any organization focused on helping those in need.
The Open Door Pantry
Steve attended U of Chicago Lab School graduating in 1975. Being very tall, he played basketball of course! Growing up in Hyde Park made for many interesting stories of urban living many of them with his best friend Ralph Rolling, who very conveniently lived right on the block.
At just 16, Steve headed to Macalester University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Steve graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Economics and Psychology. Besides academics, Steve found a community of life long friends and membership in the Biergartners, who continue to gather regularly to share life and stories that inevitably get better with every telling.
Steve's greatest joy was his family. Following his marriage to Laura Reick, the family grew with the arrival of Tom, Nicole, Hailey and Mikayla. As Steve always said he wanted two children, Laura wanted three so they settled on four! Steve was so proud in the accomplishments of each of his children, but most importantly he was was over the top in pride for their caring and good hearts as they became young adults. Family zoom nights and family dinners were a highlight.
After his marriage ended, Steve met Pat Jensen and his family expanded to include her father, Jere, and her children Laura and Erik and their families. Steve adored children and granddaughter Jensen was his favorite sidekick, from water fights, trips to the zoo, nature walks, reading books and special games like wobbly bridge. Steve was just a kid at heart!
Steve was outgoing, welcoming, caring and generous with his heart and his time. He had an incredible knowledge of music no matter what genre, had an incredible memory for lyrics, artists and all things music (though he could not carry a tune himself!), played a mean air guitar and was trying to learn to play the ukulele. Steve loved a good cigar, could mix up a creative cocktail (or kiddy cocktail) and loved gathering with friends and family. Steve had a joke for any occasion, and had a huge collection of belts (none of which worked). Steve loved gatherings with the Biergartners and looked forward to the regular houseboat trips with lifelong friends. He loved golf and looked forward to the fall golf trips up north with the Master Blasters or just a quick round at the local course. He loved concerts at the MN Zoo with Sam and Linda. He and Pat bonded over a shared love for volleyball and travel, especially Sedona, and his need for a good navigator! He was generous and soft hearted, getting teary eyed at a good story. He loved good food, good wine, good music and good people and he was a friend to all.
Steve was preceded in death by his father (2018), his mother (2006), his brother (2013). Mourning Steve's passing are Pat Jensen and her family, his children Tom, Nicole, Hailey and Mikayla, their mother, Laura, and countless friends and family whose lives he touched in some way.
Private memorial services will be held to honor Steve and to honor his memory with joy and laughter as he would wish. Memorials can be directed to The Open Door Pantry in Eagan MN, where Steve enjoyed volunteering by distributing food and meals to those in need in our community or to any organization focused on helping those in need.
The Open Door Pantry
Career
Steve enjoyed a 45 year career in property and casualty reinsurance Following graduation from Macalester College in St. Paul MN, Steve embarked on a career in reinsurance, serving in leadership roles in many leading organizations in the industry, from Atlanta, to Chicago, to Connecticut, to Bermuda and the Twin Cities.
A highlight of his career was the four years spent as Managing Director of General Motors Captive in Bermuda. Besides an incredibly interesting career opportunity, this brought the challenges and rewards of relocating a young family to a foreign country. Imagine Steve wearing Bermuda shorts and riding a scooter to the office? The experience created long-term memories and friendships for Steve and his entire family.
Following Bermuda, relocation to the Twin Cities was attractive as it offered access to extended family and friends as well as career opportunities. Steve worked with several organizations in various capacities, focused on using his knowledge and relationships to build growth opportunities for companies. He approached every opportunity with enthusiasm and optimism, always excited to learn about new industries and work toward solutions to industry challenges.
A highlight of his career was the four years spent as Managing Director of General Motors Captive in Bermuda. Besides an incredibly interesting career opportunity, this brought the challenges and rewards of relocating a young family to a foreign country. Imagine Steve wearing Bermuda shorts and riding a scooter to the office? The experience created long-term memories and friendships for Steve and his entire family.
Following Bermuda, relocation to the Twin Cities was attractive as it offered access to extended family and friends as well as career opportunities. Steve worked with several organizations in various capacities, focused on using his knowledge and relationships to build growth opportunities for companies. He approached every opportunity with enthusiasm and optimism, always excited to learn about new industries and work toward solutions to industry challenges.
Recent stories
A glass half full guy
Our dad loved music more than anyone I've ever known.
He loved smooth jazz and the blues and classic rock.
He loved big Sunday brunches that always concluded with cinnamon rolls.
He loved nature and sending us pictures of sunsets.
He loved sweets of any kind and suggested dessert after dinner every night.
He loved his granddaughter Jensen, his mother Joanie.
He loved good whiskey and a good story, his summers on the railroad and his camping trips in Yellowstone.
He loved golf, and practicing his swing, often while on road trips to “stretch his legs.”
He loved Pat, and her family that he adopted as his own.
He loved democracy and always got emotional talking about our right to vote.
He loved any gift we gave him, no matter how small, and always cried when receiving it.
He loved IMAX movies and lately he really loved Anthony Bourdain.
He loved “resting his eyes” instead of sleeping so he could spend more time with us.
He loved Chicago and talking about growing up in Hyde Park.
He loved his brother, who he always tried to protect, and his father, who he always tried to emulate, and he loved our mom.
He loved telling us about the weather no matter how far apart we were.
He loved Macalester and regaling us with college tales at ‘Mac.'
He loved travel, and delta Biscoffs, which he brought home to us after every trip.
He loved telling us about Ug and Mug, the cavemen he made up, and playing hop on pop, and wheelbarrowing us upstairs before bed.
But most of all he loved us kids, and was a glass half full kind of guy, grateful for every day that he was here.
He loved smooth jazz and the blues and classic rock.
He loved big Sunday brunches that always concluded with cinnamon rolls.
He loved nature and sending us pictures of sunsets.
He loved sweets of any kind and suggested dessert after dinner every night.
He loved his granddaughter Jensen, his mother Joanie.
He loved good whiskey and a good story, his summers on the railroad and his camping trips in Yellowstone.
He loved golf, and practicing his swing, often while on road trips to “stretch his legs.”
He loved Pat, and her family that he adopted as his own.
He loved democracy and always got emotional talking about our right to vote.
He loved any gift we gave him, no matter how small, and always cried when receiving it.
He loved IMAX movies and lately he really loved Anthony Bourdain.
He loved “resting his eyes” instead of sleeping so he could spend more time with us.
He loved Chicago and talking about growing up in Hyde Park.
He loved his brother, who he always tried to protect, and his father, who he always tried to emulate, and he loved our mom.
He loved telling us about the weather no matter how far apart we were.
He loved Macalester and regaling us with college tales at ‘Mac.'
He loved travel, and delta Biscoffs, which he brought home to us after every trip.
He loved telling us about Ug and Mug, the cavemen he made up, and playing hop on pop, and wheelbarrowing us upstairs before bed.
But most of all he loved us kids, and was a glass half full kind of guy, grateful for every day that he was here.
Bedtime Stories
Growing up, some of my most fond memories were from our bedtime routine. I would often pretend to fall asleep to get my dad to throw me over his shoulder and carry me up to bed. Sharing a room with my older sister Hailey, I remember always begging my dad to stay up a little later and tell us a story about Ugg and Mug, fictional caveman my dad had created. Each night he would come up with a creative story about the adventures of the two cavemen. My dad was described by a good friend as a big kid and this story really embodies that idea. Beyond being incredibly intelligent, he was creative, playful, and loved to make people around him smile and laugh. I hope to one day carry on the legacy of Ugg and Mug stories to my little ones and tell stories about how wonderful their Grandpa was.
Fly In Fishing trip made Steve a legend in my family and had a bit to do with starting his own
In the Spring of 1990, I was planning a first fly-in Canadian fishing trip for my two brothers (then from Vegas) and cousin; whom we had not seen for years. Just a few weeks before the big trip, the cousin cancelled and I was stuck with a 4th seat to fill; as back then you rented the whole plane and cabin. I had to find a substitute or our individual share of the cost was going up substantially. I called around and casually mentioned to Steve that we had an opening for a fourth for the trip. Steve was single and living in Chicago at the time and a few days in the wilds of Canada sounded great to him. I had met Steve in the early 80's when we both worked for EW Blanch in Stamford CT and thought I knew him well enough to share a cabin and boat. My brothers had never met the man who would soon impart a number of "Lonnyisms" and forever become an affectionate honorary member of the family.
I'll post some photos from that trip when I can find the right shoe box of prints and scan them (remember prints?). Without further ado, here some of the highlights as I remember them:
1. the plan was for Steve and my brothers to fly to MSP on Saturday, stay at my house and get the packing sorted before leaving early on Sunday morning, as we had to make the border crossing and get to the float plane base before dark. Upon arrival, Steve informed us that he had a party to attend in a neighboring town that night; but not to worry; he'd be back by midnight at the latest. Sunday morning, no Steve. Finally, about 9am; a taxi pulls up and deposits our hero on my lawn. Steve told us that he had met a wonderful girl that night (Laura Reick) and hoped he'd see her again! Lonnyism number one... "early" is a relative term, be more specific if a particular time is required.
2. speeding North on I35 we were introduced to Lonnyism #2... Road trips require Road Tunes. Steve produced two home mix tapes (remember cassette tapes) that were a wonderful collection of blues, rock, soul and a bit of country too. We loved those tapes. A couple weeks after the trip, I found a copy of the mix tape in my mailbox. Steve was spreading the fun!
3. Arriving at the border, we must have appeared as hungover hooligans as we all had to produce an ID and explain why we wanted to enter Canada. Discovered Steve had left his wallet back at the party! He was hauled in to an office and a sniffer dog was set upon my car. Seemed the Canadians had to verify Steve was a US resident and at least was not a wanted man, before releasing him. A while later, all his luggage was removed and brought into the office. Thought that was the last we were going to see of Steve, but alas, a utility bill was pulled from his luggage that matched the address the authorities had found on their computer. Adventure back on!! Back on the road, Steve was upbeat for a guy without a wallet and just detained by border patrol. Hey, he shared, "Laura must have my wallet and that means I'll get to see her again". Lonnyism #3 No Worries.. Be Happy...
So many memories of that trip are special because Steve was with us. Like the pilot taking a first look at the 4 large guys, piles of gear and beer, shaking his head and muttering... "gonna have to make two trips". Steve flying the float plane while the pilot was busy with maps. One morning, Steve made pancakes but we'd forgotten the maple syrup. No problem, blackberry brandy to the rescue. Naked beers in the lake side sauna. Catching and releasing hundreds of walleyes and pike, saving just a few for lunch and dinner. Card games and stories shared under the gas lamps of a log cabin. Steve was eventually reunited with his wallet and Laura, mom of his four children!! There were many more trips and adventures with Steve, but the first one to Canada was special and contributed in a small way with establishing the Lonergan family.
I'll post some photos from that trip when I can find the right shoe box of prints and scan them (remember prints?). Without further ado, here some of the highlights as I remember them:
1. the plan was for Steve and my brothers to fly to MSP on Saturday, stay at my house and get the packing sorted before leaving early on Sunday morning, as we had to make the border crossing and get to the float plane base before dark. Upon arrival, Steve informed us that he had a party to attend in a neighboring town that night; but not to worry; he'd be back by midnight at the latest. Sunday morning, no Steve. Finally, about 9am; a taxi pulls up and deposits our hero on my lawn. Steve told us that he had met a wonderful girl that night (Laura Reick) and hoped he'd see her again! Lonnyism number one... "early" is a relative term, be more specific if a particular time is required.
2. speeding North on I35 we were introduced to Lonnyism #2... Road trips require Road Tunes. Steve produced two home mix tapes (remember cassette tapes) that were a wonderful collection of blues, rock, soul and a bit of country too. We loved those tapes. A couple weeks after the trip, I found a copy of the mix tape in my mailbox. Steve was spreading the fun!
3. Arriving at the border, we must have appeared as hungover hooligans as we all had to produce an ID and explain why we wanted to enter Canada. Discovered Steve had left his wallet back at the party! He was hauled in to an office and a sniffer dog was set upon my car. Seemed the Canadians had to verify Steve was a US resident and at least was not a wanted man, before releasing him. A while later, all his luggage was removed and brought into the office. Thought that was the last we were going to see of Steve, but alas, a utility bill was pulled from his luggage that matched the address the authorities had found on their computer. Adventure back on!! Back on the road, Steve was upbeat for a guy without a wallet and just detained by border patrol. Hey, he shared, "Laura must have my wallet and that means I'll get to see her again". Lonnyism #3 No Worries.. Be Happy...
So many memories of that trip are special because Steve was with us. Like the pilot taking a first look at the 4 large guys, piles of gear and beer, shaking his head and muttering... "gonna have to make two trips". Steve flying the float plane while the pilot was busy with maps. One morning, Steve made pancakes but we'd forgotten the maple syrup. No problem, blackberry brandy to the rescue. Naked beers in the lake side sauna. Catching and releasing hundreds of walleyes and pike, saving just a few for lunch and dinner. Card games and stories shared under the gas lamps of a log cabin. Steve was eventually reunited with his wallet and Laura, mom of his four children!! There were many more trips and adventures with Steve, but the first one to Canada was special and contributed in a small way with establishing the Lonergan family.