From Backyard Cornhole to Lasting Impact: The Legacy of Dennis Lubeley

Dennis was a husband, dad, Opa, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, and a 35-year UPS employee. He also had ALS. He was a family man who loved his wife of 34 years and 4 daughters. He enjoyed camping, breweries, appetizers, hot rods, gun shows, photography, technology, and gadgets! It was his love of technology and electronics that helped him through ALS, second only to his incredibly loving and compassionate family.

He lost his voice first, but that didn’t stop him from communicating. He quickly learned how to use his iPad and computer to speak for him. On more than one occasion, he even taught his speech therapist a new thing or two that he had discovered! Eventually, as the disease progressed, he learned to use eye gaze technology and an eye chart.

As a family, we loved playing cornhole anytime and anywhere, first learning the game in the early 2000s. We enjoyed hosting backyard tournaments. After Dennis’s diagnosis, we began holding an annual tournament with a small entry fee to raise money for ALS. We were known as The Tutu Pirates, a nod to his four daughters and his love of all things pirate. Three years later, when he passed away, we started the Dennis Lubeley Foundation. Our annual Kick ALS in the Cornhole Tournament is still a backyard event. The money raised is used specifically to help others with technology, communication devices, and equipment maintenance.

This is our way of giving back and supporting others facing ALS.

Dennis was someone who was never at a loss for words. He loved to joke, tease, laugh, offer advice, share encouragement, and say “I love you.”

Throughout the journey, Dennis never lost his sense of humor, his teasing spirit, or his smile.