Steven J. Schwendenmann

Steven J. Schwendenmann, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, at his home with his wife by his side. He was 81.
Born on July 18, 1944, in Greensburg, Indiana, Steven was the son of the late Edwin and Catherine (Boone) Schwendenmann. He graduated from Greensburg High School in 1962, where he was a standout three-sport athlete, competing in baseball, basketball, and football. His talent on the baseball field earned him a scholarship to Indiana Central College in Indianapolis. He began his time at Indiana Central on a baseball scholarship, but it was on the football field that he truly excelled, ultimately earning the team's Most Valuable Player and Best Defensive End awards in 1966.
On June 1, 1968, in Indianapolis, he began a 57-year marriage and lifetime of love and partnership with Barbara Jeanne Singer. She survives.
Steven began his career in 1967 as a teacher and coach with the New Palestine School Corporation in New Palestine, Indiana. In 1970, he joined State Farm Insurance, where he built a long and meaningful 33-year career marked by dedication, integrity, and genuine care for the people he served. His work exposed his family to Indianapolis, West Lafayette, Greenwood, and Anderson before settling in Lafayette, where he spent the last five years of his career and entered retirement in 2003.
During his early retirement years, he enjoyed staying active in golfing, tending to his yard, and spending time in the kitchen preparing and sharing good food. He also spent time working side by side with his wife, sister, and brother-in-law renovating homes. Those years were enriched by shared work, steady routines, and the company of family.
In the later years, Steven especially looked forward to his Wednesday lunches with a close-knit group of golfing friends from the local Elks Lodge. What began as a shared love of the game grew into a weekly tradition marked by easy conversation, good humor, and the enduring bonds of friendship. These gatherings became a cherished part of his week and a source of deep connection.
Steven treasured the time he spent with his granddaughters. Whether he was cheering them on or listening to their stories, every moment with them was meaningful, and he took great pride in being their PaPa.
In the time when he was most at home, Steven found comfort in the simple routines he loved - settling into his favorite chair with his dog, Tessa, curled beside him, wrapped in his favorite blanket, and watching the westerns he never grew tired of. In those simple routines, he found a sense of peace that spoke to the steady, grounded life he built.
Along with his wife, Barbara, he is survived by his children, Jason S. (Lisa) Schwendenmann of Springfield, VA, and Stephanie A. Reed of West Lafayette; his granddaughters, Rylyn Reed, Korah Reed, and Cassandra Schwendenmann; his sister, Carolyn (Gene) Brown; his sister-in-law, Wanda Schwendenmann, the wife of his late brother Dan, and his brother-in-law, Tom Singer.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dan Schwendenmann.
In keeping with the family's wishes, no services will be held at this time. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Loved Ones and Friends are invited to honor their memory by lighting a candle, leaving a message or sharing favorite photo. Your thoughts and memories bring comfort and are deeply appreciated.