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.
To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.rhielfuneralhome.com
