On December 26, 2020, 73-year-old Dennis D. "Denny" Steinhoff, a white male from Rockford, Illinois, was tragically killed in a mass shooting at Don Carter Lanes, a local bowling alley. Born on July 26, 1947, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, Dennis was the son of Clifford and Dorothy Johns Steinhoff. He graduated from Cuba City High School in 1966 and married Laura Lesperance on June 19, 1971. A U.S.
Army veteran who served in Vietnam, Dennis worked for Daimler Chrysler for 35 years before retiring in 2001. He was also a dedicated basketball referee for over 40 years, officiating at various school levels and was a long-time member of the Illinois High School Association. Known for his sense of humor and kindness, Dennis was a beloved figure in his community.
The incident occurred on the evening of December 26, 2020, when 37-year-old Duke Webb, an active-duty Special Forces sergeant from Florida, allegedly opened fire inside Don Carter Lanes. The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals: 65-year-old Thomas Furseth, 69-year-old Jerome Woodfork, and 73-year-old Dennis Steinhoff. Three others were injured, including a 62-year-old man and two teenagers aged 14 and 16. Authorities have stated that the shooting appeared to be a random act, with no known connections between Webb and the victims.
Following his arrest, Duke Webb was charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. During court proceedings, Webb's attorney indicated that he might be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury, conditions possibly linked to his military service, which included four deployments to Afghanistan. As of August 2024, Webb, then 41, was awaiting trial, with proceedings scheduled to begin on December 2, 2024.
The tragic death of Dennis Steinhoff, a 73-year-old white male, deeply affected the Rockford community. Friends, family, and colleagues remembered him as a kind and giving individual who brought laughter to those around him. His contributions as a basketball referee and his service as a Vietnam veteran were highlighted in tributes following his passing.
