January 10
January 10
Happy Birthday, Lonny! I'll always remember you and your incredible and contagious enthusiasm for life. Going to happy hour today with the Rollings and we'll have a few in your memory. Miss you so much, Big Guy!
This memorial website was created in memory of Steven Lonergan, who suddenly and unexpectedly passed away while enjoying a warm getaway in Scottsdale.
Whether we called him Steven, Steve, Dad, Lonny, or SBC, we will always love you and miss you.
Whether we called him Steven, Steve, Dad, Lonny, or SBC, we will always love you and miss you.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
January 10
January 10
Happy Birthday in heaven … memories of birthdays spent are coming up in my feeds and I can’t help but smile. You knew that another year of life was something to celebrate. Today I will celebrate you and be thankful that I had you in my life.
December 21, 2023
December 21, 2023
One of the things I am sure of is that the world would be a better place if there were more Steve Lonergans in it. He had such joy for life - even as a child. He was gleeful. I miss him, too.
December 20, 2023
December 20, 2023
The Robinsons reunited with the Streffs in San Diego this week, and when the topic of Lonny came up, lots of smiles all around. The Big Guy was a Force of Nature, always creating fun and excitement, and including everyone in his whirlwind of activities. We miss him a lot; he lived hard and left us too soon. R.I.P., Lonny!
December 19, 2023
December 19, 2023
Another Christmas is coming and I miss you so much. Life moves on but I wish you were still here to experience it with me. I love you❤️
January 10, 2023
January 10, 2023
January 10- your birthday. You loved your birthday and weeks before would start talking about where to go to celebrate the day. Lots of great birthday memories-Cancun outdoor dinner with the cigar bar after, Carmel, Sedona, Phoenix, wonderful dinners and even a Covid quarantine zoom cooking class. If there’s a lesson to be learned it’s that we should celebrate things-life is fragile and each day a gift. ❤️
January 10, 2023
January 10, 2023
January 10, 2023
I seldom begin a day shocked. I've known Steve since he was 11 years old. The Lonergans and the Lathrops have laughed, cried, loved, traveled and shared lives together since 1963. Steve will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm glad that he is remembered lovingly and for the joy he brought to so many.
I seldom begin a day shocked. I've known Steve since he was 11 years old. The Lonergans and the Lathrops have laughed, cried, loved, traveled and shared lives together since 1963. Steve will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm glad that he is remembered lovingly and for the joy he brought to so many.
March 13, 2022
March 13, 2022
Today was a day you would have loved-a day full of family celebrating Annie’s baptism. I thought of you and missed you terribly. But I know you were there with us. The plant I got from a friend when you passed suddenly bloomed today-I know that was you. Loving you and missing you…..
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
So today it’s your birthday—and we all miss you so much. No one loved birthdays like you did. We laughed about it at the time but now realize that birthdays -and life - should be celebrated as things can change so quickly. So today I will celebrate you and give thanks for having you in my life although shorter than we had planned. Happy Birthday my love.
December 21, 2021
December 21, 2021
The holiday season is upon us and I’m reminded every day that the biggest kid of all will not be present this year. There is an emptiness to things and, though I have much to be thankful for, I wish he was here. He loved entertaining and being with people, looked forward to getting a real Christmas tree, proudly wearing his traditional red sweater and robustly singing Christmas Carols at church (although sadly off tune). This year will not be the same without him and all of us who loved him grieve the loss of Steve.
May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
I met Steve many years ago professionally and have enjoyed every phone call and meeting I've had with him ever since. This news was surprising to me and I'm wishing Steve's family and friends ease, peace, and love.
April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Steve at Capstone Associated Services, Ltd. for about 2 years beginning in 2016. I was shocked to hear of his sudden death. Steve was extremely knowledgeable about risk management and insurance, very personable and was a pleasure to be with. We want to extend our condolences to his family and friends and let them know that he is missed. Steve made a positive impact on those that he came in contact with.
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
First he was a co-worker, then a competitor, then a market; but always a good friend. Steve had a way of connecting to people through music and humor that sometimes masked his incredible smarts and memory. Steve and Pat were just getting going on the "empty nester bucket list" when he left us. Don't wait to do the things you always dreamed of and don't hesitate to say I love you to those that are dear.
April 18, 2021
April 18, 2021
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.
April 15, 2021
April 15, 2021
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.
April 15, 2021
April 15, 2021
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.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
January 10
January 10
Happy Birthday, Lonny! I'll always remember you and your incredible and contagious enthusiasm for life. Going to happy hour today with the Rollings and we'll have a few in your memory. Miss you so much, Big Guy!
January 10
January 10
Happy Birthday in heaven … memories of birthdays spent are coming up in my feeds and I can’t help but smile. You knew that another year of life was something to celebrate. Today I will celebrate you and be thankful that I had you in my life.
December 21, 2023
December 21, 2023
One of the things I am sure of is that the world would be a better place if there were more Steve Lonergans in it. He had such joy for life - even as a child. He was gleeful. I miss him, too.
Gallery
I shared a house with Lonnie and Jeff Nyweide in Stamford CT 1983. Great memories.
Rooming with Steve and Jeff Nyweide in 1983
Preparing Steve's viking funeral pyre at Voyaguers National park 8.21
Giving Steve a proper Viking funeral in Voyaguers National Park 8.2021
Lonnie, the Sultan of Sluggos!
spades on the houseboat
Mac Reunion party
cruising on Bill's pontoon
King Posiden
His Life
Steeplechase
May 23, 2021
by Pat Jensen
Almost 8 years ago we moved to Steeplechase townhomes in Eagan. I was apprehensive as I thought it was too expensive but Steve assured me it would be the perfect place for us. How right he was!
As is typical with Steve there are many stories to tell about the move most notably unpacking his kitchen box to find he’d bubble wrapped a styrofoam coffee cup like you get at KwikTrip!
Steeplechase has been the best place for family-both my children cycled through the basement as they made their moves back to Minnesota, holidays and Sunday brunches with all our children and loving that we had space to fit them all, gatherings at the fire table (even in winter during the pandemic), sleepovers with Jensen, watching the sunset in the evening and wildlife in the backyard visiting from Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Steeplechase also brought wonderful neighbors and friendships. How lucky we are to have the best building in Steeplechase with Maureen, Mike and Mary, and Kelly and Sharon. Steve relished social time and enjoyed golf and a cigar and bourbon with Kelly on the patio. And I have been thankful for their friendship and caring since Steve’s passing. This week we all gathered for dinner to celebrate COVID vaccinations for all and Steve was missed although stories were told. And today, Kelly and Sharon planted an apple tree in the back yard in Steves memory.
I am so happy Steveconvinced me to move here…
As is typical with Steve there are many stories to tell about the move most notably unpacking his kitchen box to find he’d bubble wrapped a styrofoam coffee cup like you get at KwikTrip!
Steeplechase has been the best place for family-both my children cycled through the basement as they made their moves back to Minnesota, holidays and Sunday brunches with all our children and loving that we had space to fit them all, gatherings at the fire table (even in winter during the pandemic), sleepovers with Jensen, watching the sunset in the evening and wildlife in the backyard visiting from Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Steeplechase also brought wonderful neighbors and friendships. How lucky we are to have the best building in Steeplechase with Maureen, Mike and Mary, and Kelly and Sharon. Steve relished social time and enjoyed golf and a cigar and bourbon with Kelly on the patio. And I have been thankful for their friendship and caring since Steve’s passing. This week we all gathered for dinner to celebrate COVID vaccinations for all and Steve was missed although stories were told. And today, Kelly and Sharon planted an apple tree in the back yard in Steves memory.
I am so happy Steveconvinced me to move here…
Remembering Steven Mark Lonergan
February 28, 2021
by Pat Jensen
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.
Memorial services will be held to honor Steve and to honor his memory with joy and laughter as he would wish. Close family and friends will gather July 22-26 in Beaver Creek, Colorado, celebrating his memory in the mountains that he loved so much. Another gathering will occur later this summer when the Biergartners gather to make more memories in the Boundary Waters. Financial 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.
Memorial services will be held to honor Steve and to honor his memory with joy and laughter as he would wish. Close family and friends will gather July 22-26 in Beaver Creek, Colorado, celebrating his memory in the mountains that he loved so much. Another gathering will occur later this summer when the Biergartners gather to make more memories in the Boundary Waters. Financial 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
Fatherhood
April 13, 2021
by Pat Jensen
Nothing made Steve happier than a call or visit with one of his kids.
Recent stories
Steve was the Life of the Party
May 29, 2021
I met Lonny as a Macalester College freshman, playing against his team in an intramural volleyball game. It was the most fearsome sight I'd ever seen--a gigantic man-child laughing and screaming and pounding balls at us at supersonic speeds. His team won the championship all four years, and he was the undisputed hero. We saw each other a few times in Economics classes, and at keggers and other socials, and he was funny and gregarious. We eventually became friends and played many intramural sports together. We were part of a frat-like group of fun-loving guys called the Buckhorn Beergardeners (named after our favorite inexpensive beer), and did all sorts of outrageous things for our amusement. (outrageous was Lonny's middle name!)
Lonny had many talents--not the least of which were an encyclopedic knowledge of music, and the ability to create alcoholic drinks of unlimited variety and quantity. He loved his family and friends, the outdoors, sports, and pretty much all people and animals. He was at heart just a big kid, with infectious enthusiasm, and a drive to include everyone in his gigantic orbit. He was also the best at keeping in touch--I can't recall how many times he'd call me out of the blue just to say hi; and I know he did the same to so many of the people in his life.
The Big Fella will be sorely missed.
Rock and Roll Heaven just got their bartender and DJ....
R.I.P., Lonny!
Lonny had many talents--not the least of which were an encyclopedic knowledge of music, and the ability to create alcoholic drinks of unlimited variety and quantity. He loved his family and friends, the outdoors, sports, and pretty much all people and animals. He was at heart just a big kid, with infectious enthusiasm, and a drive to include everyone in his gigantic orbit. He was also the best at keeping in touch--I can't recall how many times he'd call me out of the blue just to say hi; and I know he did the same to so many of the people in his life.
The Big Fella will be sorely missed.
Rock and Roll Heaven just got their bartender and DJ....
R.I.P., Lonny!
A glass half full guy
April 19, 2021
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
April 19, 2021
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.