Obituary
Dennis Charles Stamberger
Dennis Charles Stamberger, age 76, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on July 14, 2016.
Dennis was a loving husband to his wife Judy, his two children Chris and Stacy, and four grandsons; Nicholas, Thatcher, Alexander, and Skyler. Dennis’s family was his happy place and his mark is indelible.
Dennis devoted his life to his work and his patients. He spent SIX DECADES of his life working to make others’ lives better. Dennis found true passion in his work; it was his life force. As a therapist he excelled at helping children and families; he found great joy in knowing he could help another grow and move forth in life. Dennis spent a decade of his career here in La Crosse as a family therapist at Gundersen Lutheran. Later in life his work took him in a new direction and he began working with the D.O.D. and provided therapy and a safe place for our soldiers. His work took him from the United States to Germany and then to South Korea. Dennis and Judy spent over 8 years abroad before returning home to Wisconsin. Once back home Dennis continued his work as a therapist at Fort McCoy and the VA Hospital in Tomah, WI. He then continued his work at the VA in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He truly enjoyed working with our Veterans.
Dennis Stamberger: bodybuilder, artist, self-proclaimed scientist, beach bum, house chef, classic movie enthusiast, wanna-be nomad with childlike curiosity, blues lover, bar room gambler, poet, student, and lover of life.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 22 at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Pastor Ted Dewald will officiate.
Dear Loved Ones of Dennis,
I just wanted to convey my sympathies and tell you that Dennis was literally a lifesaver for me. I was a young woman in my early 30’s w/3 young children (youngest had just turned 2) when my fiance left me for another woman & pretty much abandoned his children. I had always been a strong emotional person and had survived a lot of bad life experiences but this was so devastating – I lost my home/job and had to move back to the LaCrosse area- that I started to spiral into deep depression. At first, Dennis just listened to me sob for several sessions and then over the next several months/year, he showed me that I had facilitated a co-dependent relationship with a man that would never be a true partner ( my ex had some issues to say the least). Then Dennis taught me how to develop some self esteem, get back on my feet, become a better, stronger, WISER person and to go out, live a more balanced life for myself and my children and find someone worthy of what I had to give, etc. He was a pivotal person in my life, I have never forgotten him and never will. He was a wonderful man, as his obituary states. His passing is truly a loss for humanity….. Sincerely, Claire Ferguson
Dear Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose the people we love. I haven’t seen you for years Judy but I remember our Montessori days, it seems like a lifetime ago doesn’t it? I remember Dennis with a big, bushy beard and a great sense of humor. Sincerely, Debbie Dellenbach