Stephen John Schlegel

Stephen J. Schlegel, Chicago lawyer, passed away due to pancreatic cancer on February 21, 2026. Steve leaves behind his sister, Susan (Hurst, TX), his daughters, Jeanne Skaggs (John, dec.), Stephanie Schlegel (Vernon Lundy), and 4 grandchildren, Ethan and Sarah Skaggs, and Nicholas and Elsa Lundy, along with a multitude of lifelong friends, including his girlfriend, Jeanette Bourey. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Anne Schlegel Oliveira (Gary).

A past-President of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, he graduated from Northwestern University in 1966 and Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1969. He never retired from his litigation practice. He was one of the lead counsel for the Vietnam Veterans in their product liability litigation against Dow Chemical Co. in the Agent Orange litigation, bringing that case to a first of its kind settlement in the mid-1980's. He went on to join the firm of Clausen Miller PC as partner, where he launched their New York City office and was its initial managing partner. In Chicago, he was very active as a member of the Union League Club of Chicago, serving as General Counsel to their Boys and Girls Clubs for 40 years. Late in his career, he co-created a Restorative Justice program between the University of Illinois Chicago Law School and the ULC Boys and Girls clubs. Steve donated his time and considerable energy to many organizations, including Swim Across America, the Luminarts Foundation, the Friends of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Fourth Presbyterian Church, and local Bar associations. He traveled extensively to fish and scuba dive, completed multiple Chicago marathons, rode his bike around Lake Michigan, enjoyed golf and handball, jazz, sailing, and a great meal with friends, his daughters and their kids. A reception will be held honoring Steve's life at the Union League Club, 65 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, on April 16, 2026. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the following in Steve's honor -

Union League Boys and Girls clubs at https://givebutter.com/ULBGC;

Swim Across America at 2026 Chicago Open Water Swim: Team Anne, Mike and Friends;

Friends of the Forest Preserves of Cook County at https://fotfp.org/give/.