Steven Carl Schnedler

Steven Carl Schnedler
August 14, 1948 – March 23, 2026

Steven Carl Schnedler, 77, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with a neurological disorder—one he faced with the determination and analytical clarity that defined his remarkable life.

Born in Middletown, Ohio, to Marian L. and Paul E. Schnedler, Steve displayed an early gift for science and engineering. He built his first ham radio as a child, sparking a lifelong fascination with technology and a friendship that endured into his seventies. His younger sister would later joke that he was "a hard act to follow."

Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1970, then launched his career at General Electric. While working at GE, he pursued his Juris Doctor with honors from the Detroit College of Law, graduating in 1974. He was admitted to the bar in Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky, and by 1980 had earned certification to practice intellectual property law before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

After practicing patent law and running a small computer business in Arlington, Virginia, Steve relocated in 1987 to Asheville—his forever home. There, he continued his venture into the personal computing space, designing and selling a custom acceleration board for the Commodore 64. When he closed that business in the 1990s, he returned to law, practicing with Carter & Schnedler, P.A., Roberts Stevens & Burn, P.A., and finally Luedeka-Neely, where he concluded his distinguished career as a patent attorney in 2022.

Flying was Steve's greatest passion. A vintage airplane kite among his belongings hinted at dreams that took flight long before he became a student pilot in 1976. He earned his pilot license in 1977, training in a Cessna 150, trading up to a Cirrus, and ultimately earning a long-sought-after instrument rating.  Steve chased horizons until 2022, when N82-Sierra-Nevada signed off for the last time.

Steve was a lifelong seeker. His extensive book collection reflected wide-ranging curiosities: love and spirituality, classical music and literature, healthy living and cooking, the art of being a gentleman, stock trading, computers, and of course, flying. Those who knew him remember a kind and passionate human being, a steady and natural teacher. This sentiment was echoed by former colleagues, family members, caregivers, and friends alike.

A devoted supporter of education, Steve became an "Angel Donor" for the Asheville Waldorf School. In his honor, the Steve Schnedler Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to continue his legacy of expanding access to Waldorf education for future generations.

Steve is survived by his sister, Lisa Ann Munger, and her husband Greg, several cousins near and far, and his adoring cat Dottie. 

His wisdom and friendship will be sorely missed.

Celebration of Life
Sunday, April 26, 2026, 1-3 pm
Zuma Coffee
7 Main Street, Marshall, NC

Please RSVP via email (steve28804@gmail.com) or text (828-230-4965) with “Steve’s Celebration” in the subject line.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Asheville Waldorf School Steve Schnedler Memorial Scholarship Fund.

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