Stephen Douglas Schmahl, age 55, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 28, 2024, in Syracuse.
He was born on Oct. 13, 1968, in Detroit, Mich., the second of five children to Judith Schmahl Eppich and Douglas A. Schmahl. His beloved twin sister Julie arrived five minutes later, marking the beginning of a deep and enduring bond between the two.
The family relocated to Syracuse in 1971. Steve attended Syracuse Elementary and Junior High School where he participated in band, track, wrestling and was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 728. Steve loved growing up on Lake Wawasee where days were spent swimming, skiing, sailing and adventuring on Ogden Island with his siblings.
Steve attended Wawasee High School, graduating in 1987. He was an excellent student, a talented writer and artist and a National Merit scholar. He was an endurance athlete, earning varsity letters in both cross country and swimming. He worked alongside Julie for many wonderful seasons at Wawasee Boat Company, advancing to the position of harbor master.
Steve received an academic scholarship to Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1991. At IU, Steve joined his brother Jeff as a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he became respected and admired for his intelligence and sense of humor, ultimately serving in countless leadership roles including chapter president. The special friendships Steve made as a “Pike” continue to this day.
Steve began his career in Indianapolis, working for Meridian Financial. Soon after, he became engaged to his college sweetheart. Steve and Amy Tardy Schmahl were married in 1994 in Bloomington – a joyous occasion for family and friends as they celebrated a wonderful and authentic love. Steve earned his Master of Business Administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in 1997 and shortly thereafter accepted a job with Qwest Communications in Denver, Colo. In 1998, he and Amy relocated to Centennial, Colo., eventually settling a mile from his twin Julie and her family. During their 24 years in Colorado, Steve’s career flourished in the healthcare sector, where he held many positions with several national companies. He became a respected expert in the field of payor contracting and managed-care, as well as helping many colleagues advance their careers.
Steve and Amy were blessed with three wonderful children: Emily, Sarah and David. The family made lasting memories revolving around the kids’ various activities and Colorado’s many wonders. Steamboat Springs, Colo., was a favorite destination that the family treasured year-round - skiing in the winter and spring and hiking in the summer and fall. The family also enjoyed vacations to Captiva Island, Fla., and summer reunions back at Lake Wawasee. They were longtime members of Hope United Methodist Church in Greenwood Village, Colo., where Steve was an usher and a member of the audio-visual team. Steve served as parent director for the neighborhood swim team, the largest in the Rocky Mountain Swim League. Additionally, he was a committee chair for the Greater Colorado Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the advancement chairman of his son’s Troop 373, not only helping guide David on his path to Eagle, but countless others along the way. Steve was a devoted supporter of his daughters who were both very involved with dance, music, and theater from a young age. He embraced being a “Dance Dad” and was a steadfast supporter of their performances and competitions. In his free time, Steve enjoyed home improvement projects, watching and analyzing TV sports with his son, and cooking for the family.
Those who knew Steve were drawn to his warm, welcoming smile; his witty and intelligent mind; and his curious nature. He was excited to have recently moved back to Indiana where he loved reconnecting with old friends and spending time at the LITE Recovery Cafe.
Without a doubt, Steve’s greatest pride and joy were his kids, whom he cherished. Left to mourn this tragic loss are Amy Schmahl, Bloomington; beloved children: Emily Schmahl, 24, Chicago; Sarah Schmahl, 22, University of Missouri; and David T. Schmahl, 20, Indiana University; mother, Judy Schmahl Eppich, Syracuse; siblings: Jeff (Donna) Schmahl, Indianapolis; Julie Sanders, Centennial, Colo.; David Schmahl, Ogden Dunes; and Carrie (Brad) Vonderheide, Lowell, Mich.; mother-in-law, Rosanne Tardy, Bloomington; 17 nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Doug Schmahl; brother-in-law, Bob Sanders; father-in-law, Dick Tardy; and stepfather, Bob Eppich.
The family will hold a celebration of life for Steve in the months to come.
Meanwhile, charitable donations in his memory may be made to Living in Transition Effectively, Inc., dba LITE and the LITE Recovery Cafe. LITE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on helping people navigate life in recovery and reentry. In Steve's last months, he found community and connection here. To learn more about LITE, or to make a donation in his memory, please visit www.liteinkcj.org, or visit their Facebook page.
Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is entrusted with arrangements.