Stephen R. Pregent

Stephen Roger Pregent, age 74, of Chippewa Falls, WI died of Leukemia on January 19^th, 2024, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI.

Steve was born January 24^th, 1949, to Clarence Pregent and Edna (Krueger) Pregent at St. Joe’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. He attended Stillson Elementary School and graduated in 1967, from Chippewa Falls High School. Steve went on to further his education at Stout State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology in 1971.

Steve married Lauree Lou Auseng on June 5^th, 1971, in Menomonie, WI. He then began operating and managing Pregent’s Furniture Store, owned by his father, C.A. “Buster” Pregent.  In 1974, he bought the store which was just the beginning of his long business career. Steve owned and operated many businesses; some of which were Wausau Homes, numerous stores, mini warehouses and rental properties. His largest endeavor was the purchase of the former Packerland Processing Plant on River Street to remodel and form the present-day Chippewa River Business Park.

He was an active member of Central Lutheran Church in Chippewa. Steve was a devoted volunteer and servant of the community. He was conscientiously involved in the Chamber of Commerce (Ambassador), Chippewa County Economic Development, a founding member of the Chippewa Area History Center and Angel Investors, among numerous other organizations.

In his free time, Steve enjoyed breaking for lunch with his fellow business friends and high school classmates’ bunch. He also enjoyed poker and trap shooting nights. Other interests included reading, cribbage, camping, fishing and hunting. Most importantly, he treasured his family time.

In recent years, he spent much time working in his workshop as well as on his hunting land in Jim Falls, WI. On his land, he even made maple syrup and experimented with bee keeping. As a lifelong resident on Lake Wissota, he loved boating and giving rides to his family and friends, pulling tubers and skiers and dining at lakeside restaurants.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C.A. and Edna Pregent.

Steve is survived by his loving, ever supportive wife, Lauree; his two daughters, Kari (Bill) Schmidt of Eden Prairie, MN and Leah (Lee) Luther of Chippewa Falls; and his grandchildren, Evan, Nathan, Mallory and Lilly.

The visitation will be from 5 -7 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls.

The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Central Lutheran Church, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Rev. Aaron Sturgis will be officiating. Followed by lunch and celebration of life at The Fill Inn Station in Chippewa Falls. The private interment will be at a later date in Bateman Cemetery, Town of Lafayette.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite Chippewa Falls charity.