Steven Roy Schlough ("Louie")

October 31, 1950 – January 2, 2025

Steven Roy Schlough, lovingly known as Louie, passed away on January 2, 2025, at 6:20 pm at Mayo Health System – Eau Claire, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family. At 74, he lived a life brimming with love, laughter, and a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Born at 1:58 am on October 31, 1950, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he was the son of Sam and Betty (Breitzman) Schlough.  Steve spent his early years there before moving to Menomonie at age five. He attended St. Joe’s Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1968. His lifelong love of learning led him to earn an associate’s degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College in 1970 and a bachelor’s degree from UW-Stout. With the unwavering support of his wife, Kathy, he went on to earn a master’s degree from UW-Stout and a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University.

Steve’s professional journey took many forms—from selling farm implements and cars to teaching at UW-Stout, where he began in 1987. He served as chair of the Faculty Senate and program director for Information Technology Management before becoming chair of the Apparel and Communications Technologies Department, a role he held with distinction until his retirement in 2017. His teaching career was marked by a passion for helping students reach their full potential, always with unwavering encouragement and sage guidance.

Of all his roles, Steve’s favorite was being “Bapa” to his grandson, Finley. Tuesdays and Thursdays were sacred, filled with playtime, cartoons, ice cream, and lawn-mowing adventures. His delight in every milestone Finley reached was matched only by his eagerness to share stories—both real and tall tales—with anyone who would listen. Finley’s insistence on impromptu phone calls and drop-in visits to Bapa’s house ensured their bond remained delightfully unbreakable.

Steve’s passions were as diverse as his talents. A lifelong car enthusiast, he delighted in everything from dirt track to Formula 1 racing and found immense joy with Kathy as members of the Porsche Club, especially during fall color tours. He was also a gifted photographer and served as member of the Menomonie School Board, always striving to make a difference.

Never one to shy away from adventure, Steve embraced every experience life had to offer, from a spontaneous six-hour drive from Miami to Key West to riding the Amtrak from Red Wing to Tomah just to say we had. His exuberant personality was as vibrant as his favorite color, orange. Though humor is subjective, Steve would undoubtedly declare himself a master of jokes—a sentiment his “son-in-law” Dane enjoys perpetuating, much to Kristen’s chagrin.

As someone who was fascinated with technology and artificial intelligence, it only seemed fitting to ask Chat GPT with help writing his obituary.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; daughter Kristen (Dane Anderson) Schlough; son and daughter-in-law Scott (Heather Pyka) Schlough; and his adored grandchildren, Trina Pyka, Finley Schlough, and Hadley Schlough. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Brigid Horstman, nephew Ryan Horstman, niece Kaitlin Horstman, and countless cherished friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Betty Schlough.

The Schlough family extends heartfelt gratitude to the friends, family, and colleagues who have offered comfort and support during this time, as well as the compassionate doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic and Mayo Healthcare Systems who provided exceptional care.

Steve’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the students he mentored, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and boundless heart. We will forever celebrate his extraordinary life and the joy he brought into ours.

The family invites you to celebrate Steve’s remarkable life on Saturday January 11, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:30 PM at Jake’s Supper Club. The family also invites you to honor Professor Steve “Louie” Schlough in a way that holds special meaning to you.

Condolences

1. Ronald Crabb January 16, 2025, at 2:18pm

   So sorry to read of Steve's passing. Peace and love to Kathy and his family!

2. Maria Alm January 16, 2025, at 9:28am

   Condolences to Steve's family. I worked with Steve at UW-Stout and greatly appreciated his support for colleagues and students, his dedication to keeping up with the latest in communication technologies, to starting new programs and initiatives. Steve was always interesting, he made a difference in the lives of many people and will be missed. May he rest in peace.

3. Gregory P Plutshack January 16, 2025, at 2:46am

   To Kathy and other family of Steven R. (Louie) Schlough:
   I was saddened to hear of Louie's passing. I graduated from Menomonie in 1969. I remember him well! Always upbeat and friendly! I remember him from St. Joseph's Grade School too!
   Louie's acedemic accomplishments are impressive! Always thought he would make a difference professionally.
   After going through the Army, in 1971, I too came back to Stout and completed my education. We were probably attending at the same time. During the Vietnam War, it was a much different time!
   Not trying to tarnish his reputation but, I do remember skipping school with him and couple others in 1968 though! Don't tell anyone!
   I wish Louie's family Peace in this difficult time! Time is a relative item and one never knows when the bell will toll! RIP Louie, you will be missed and I know that many loved you dearly! Salute!

4. Bob Meyer January 15, 2025, at 8:27am

   I sure enjoyed working with Steve as a colleague and friend. His enthusiasm and sense of humor matched his dedication and loyalty to UW-Stout as well as his co-workers. He will be missed greatly!

5. Ardith A Richter January 14, 2025, at 4:21am

   he was the most fun.. had the best laugh... funny at 2am I had to find my 1968 class year book.. paged thro slowly... knew something had happened... you were a great kid and Gentlemen of Time and candor.. Thank you for being a friend.. Ardy...

6. Charles_Bomar January 10, 2025, at 9:47pm

   It is with sadness that I learned of the passage of Steve. He will be missed by many, my condolencesto his family.

   It was my pleasure to work with Steve as a fellow faculty member and his dean. Steve was always thinking about the good of the institution, always wanting to make it a better place.

   May you rest in peace.

7. Jane Lefler January 10, 2025, at 7:01am

   What a great story of a life well lived.
   To Kathy and family: Let memories be your strength. So sorry for your loss. Jane L

8. JON Hove January 9, 2025, at 4:58pm

   When I started teaching at UW-Stout, Steve was a great support as he was the friendly, most helpful and frequently a creative help to me and I was not even in his department. That was Steve. He was Awesome.

9. Ruth (Engeldinger) Claire January 9, 2025, at 4:27pm

   My sincere condolences to Steve’s family. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I knew Steve from grade school through high school. We had the opportunity over the years to chat during class reunions or to catch up if we ran into each other when I was in town. He was always such a fun guy and had the most wonderful smile.
   RIP Louie

10. Holly Yuan January 9, 2025, at 10:46am

    I was heartbroken to hear about Dr. Steve Schlough’s passing. I keep thinking about that dinner we were supposed to have. The sunny winter day makes it feel almost unreal.

    Dr. Steve was my department chair from the start of my time at UW-Stout. He cared deeply about helping young faculty and students. He supported me when I was working on my Ph.D. and encouraged me to keep going after failing the CCIE exam twice.

    He changed lives with his support and belief in people, and I’ll always be grateful for the difference he made in mine.

    Rest in peace, Steve. You will always be remembered with love and gratitude.

    
    Holly Yuan

11. Ami Peruzzo January 9, 2025, at 7:29am

    Sending condolences to the entire family. I have the joy of working with Steven's daughter Kristen and enjoyed hearing all of the amazing stories about Steven and his adventures with his family, especially Finley.
    What a talented man who's love for family and life shined through. It is fun to see where Kristen gets her passion for learning and development.
    Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends as you celebrate Steven's amazing life and the contributions that will live on.

12. Roxanne Malum January 8, 2025, at 6:38pm

    Sending heartfelt condolences to Kathy and family

13. DONNA ALBRECHT January 8, 2025, at 6:10pm

    Got to know Steve as dept. Chair, UW-Stout. He worked hard to help embrace computers for apparel pattern making and printing on yards of fabric. Steve was there to serve the faculty achieve experimenting with technology and student learning. What a joy that was for a teacher. I loved being around him.

14. Deanna Schlafman January 8, 2025, at 3:37pm

    My heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man. I feel honored to have glimpsed the essence of who he was through the joyous and lively stories shared by his amazing daughter, Kristen. The legacy he leaves behind is truly seen in the love and character his family embodies every day. May you find comfort and peace in your hearts and homes as you cherish his memory during this difficult time.

15. Aaron Cochran January 8, 2025, at 1:38pm

    I'm am heartbroken to hear of Steve's passing. I still cherish the many conversations we had way back when. I was fortunate to have our lives intersect, and knowing him was a true pleasure. I wish you all to find peace and solace in the coming weeks, months and years. May you all grieve, love, and when possible laugh together.

16. Byron Anderson January 8, 2025, at 9:05am

    Kathy and family,
    My condolences. Steve was a special man and it was a privilege to work with him for 18 years at Stout. Steve took risks in believing in me at critical junctures in my life and for that, I’m sincerely grateful. Steve made it possible, in accommodating my teaching schedule, to spend time seeing my parents and in-laws as their lives gave way to ALS and cancer. Also, Steve helped me carve time to obtain the ever essential PhD. needed to succeed in higher education employment. So, as you grieve and celebrate Steve’s passing and life, know his care for others was a gift he often gave me.
    Sincerely,
    Byron

17. Linda Young January 8, 2025, at 8:35am

    I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Working at Stout myself Steve always had a smile whenever we encountered each other, even after each of our retirements and running into each other around town. He always had the students' best interest in his actions. May there be comfort in the knowledge of how many lives he touched positively in all of his many life's journeys.

18. Arlan Henke January 8, 2025, at 8:05am

    My sympathy and prayers for you Kathy and all who love Steve. He was a good neighbor --always smiling. John 3:16-17: Phil. 4.ta

19. Michael January 7, 2025, at 9:26pm

    Steve was a great professor and honestly the only reason I was able to finish my degree at Stout. I’ll always be indebted to him for his support. Sending love and prayers to his family during this hard time.

20. Brian Finder January 7, 2025, at 5:03pm

    To Steve's family and close friends, please accept sincere condolences on the personal loss that you're currently dealing with. Steve was a trusted colleague who always would take the time to stop on a busy sidewalk in order to conduct a meaningful chat. His perspectives of life were always entertaining and laughter was usually the the conclusion of the next line. Rest assured that Steve's casual disposition and collegiality will be dearly will be missed.

    Brian Finder

21. Jerry Coomer January 7, 2025, at 4:59pm

    We all liked Steve and as others have said here, Steve was always smiling or laughing. He was a genuine great man.

22. Steve Hanke January 7, 2025, at 4:03pm

    Steve and I were good friends through our high school years. We started to lose contact after I joined the Navy. But when ever I came home we got together. Fast forward, we always enjoyed visiting at class reunions and such. I will miss his great stories and sense of humor. My condolences go out to Kathy and the kids!

23. Sali Seydel Mounce January 7, 2025, at 3:38pm

    I was sad to hear that we'd lost a fun neighbor, fellow car and tractor enthusiast, and a cherished Stout colleague. I so enjoyed the work we did together, and will miss his wave and greetings as he drove by our house ... Rest easy Steve...

24. Jan (Sanderson) Gohl January 7, 2025, at 2:37pm

    I was so sad to hear of Steve's (Louie's) passing. We go way back to grade school at St. Joe's, first communion, confirmation and then on to MHS. It was always fun catching up at reunions. He always had a smile and made you laulgh. Louie will be missed! RIP Louie!

25. Thomas Evenson January 7, 2025, at 12:19pm

    We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Louie. Whether our teacher or family friend, every memory includes a wise crack and a grin.

    May you find strength in your cherished memories.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Tom & Jacque Evenson

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