Stephen "Steve" Carroll Schlegel

Stephen “Steve” Carroll Schlegel, 78, passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2026 leaving behind a lifetime of service, love, and memories that will be cherished by many.

Steve was born October 24, 1947, in Muncie, Indiana, to Arthur “Jim” and Barbara Taylor Schlegel. He was a proud 1965 graduate of Daleville High School. Following graduation, Steve worked for a time in the family business, Schlegel Plumbing and Heating, before finding his true calling in law enforcement, serving and protecting others.

On September 17th, 1971, Steve joined the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, beginning a nearly 30 year career in law enforcement. He served as a patrolman and then spent eight years assigned to the Prosecutor’s Office before retiring from the department as a homicide detective.

Steve wore his badge with pride, but those who knew him best understood that his greatest strength came from the love he had for his family. He believed in protecting others, standing up for what was right, and being there when people needed help. Whether responding to a call, investigating a crime, or helping a family through a difficult time, Steve served with courage, compassion, and dedication.

His commitment to protecting others did not end when he retired from law enforcement. Steve’s next adventure brought together his love of animals and his desire to protect. He became the Security and Operations Director at Hoosier Park Racing in Anderson, Indiana, where he continued doing what came naturally to him—looking out for others and keeping people safe.

Steve also proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Daleville Community for 15 years.

Steve enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, tinkering with his Bolens tractor, and spending time with family. If you asked Steve what he loved most in life, his answer would have been easy: his kids and grandkids. Steve was incredibly proud of his children and considered them among his greatest accomplishments. He raised his family in Daleville, where he and his wife Barbara lived until the fall of 2002, they then relocated in Northern Indiana, and he continued as a private investigator for an insurance firm. In March 2021, they relocated to Bloomington, Indiana.

Steve was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. To his family, he was someone they could always count on. His love for his family was unwavering, and the memories he created with them will be treasured.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Barbara Markum Schlegel, They had six children: Shelli Douglas (Jeffrey) of Kenefic, Oklahoma; Brad Schlegel (Susan) of Bloomington, Indiana; Susan Johnson of Bloomington, Indiana Amy Hale (Lance) of Middletown, Indiana; Holly Remley (Jonathan) of Kokomo, Indiana; and Jerremy Monroe (Jessica) of Anderson, Indiana. He leaves behind 22 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, and 4 Great-Great-Grandchildren; one brother; and a special cousin, Phyllis Stevenson. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Barbara Schlegel; his brother, Randy Schlegel; his grandchildren, Halex Hale, Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force, and Tessa Schlegel; His first wife who passed away in March of 1981, Sharon Carson Schlegel. 

He will be forever loved, forever missed, and remembered.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Daleville. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Cemetery in Muncie. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Steve’s honor to the Delaware County Sheriff's Department, c/o The Honor Guard at 3100 South Tillotson Avenue, Suite 150, Muncie Indiana 47302. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Steve at www.ballardandsons.com