Donald M. Schlegel

Donald Schlegel, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2018, in Venice, Florida. Don was born April 12, 1923, in Staunton, Indiana to Mary Myrle (Schafer) and Earl Schlegel. He graduated from Staunton High School and Indiana University and received his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1945. While serving an internship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he met the love of his life, a senior nursing student, Helen Jaeger. He and Helen married on November 15, 1946, while he was serving in the Army Medical Corps in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. He was transferred to Percy Jones General Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan where he served on the surgical service and was discharged as a Captain on January 25, 1949. Don continued his surgical training at Indiana University Hospital and entered a private practice of general surgery in Indianapolis in January 1953. He enjoyed a long and active surgery career, retiring in May 1991. His greatest pleasure during his career was being Director of Surgical Training at Methodist Hospital from 1960 to 1975. Training young surgeons in not only the necessary technical skills, but also in how to take personal care of their patients and have a sound ethical and moral philosophy, was his passion. He served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine and was a member of many medical societies. He was also a charter member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Don enjoyed travel and golf and was well loved by his patients, family and friends. In 2007, he and Helen moved to Jacaranda Trace in Venice where he remained active socially and enjoyed playing bridge. Just two and a half weeks prior to his death, his entire family gathered together at a resort in St. Petersburg, Florida for a wonderful family reunion to celebrate his 95th birthday, complete with beach fun, dinners, dancing, photos, and lots of hugs and laughter. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Schlegel and his loving wife Helen Jaeger Schlegel. He is survived by his son Dr. Gregory (Patricia) Schlegel and daughters Susan (Bob) Melum, Barbara Millis (Dr. Paul Jansen), Judy (Keith) White and Theresa (Carl) Mueller, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on July 31 at Jacaranda Trace, 3600 William Penn Way in Venice, in the auditorium in the Cadbury Commons Clubhouse (the 3-story building). Memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Donald M. and Helen K. Schlegel Scholarship (Acct 0370006921), check payable to IU Foundation, mailed c/o Indiana School of Medicine, Indiana University Foundation, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207. Service Information Date: Tuesday, July 31, 2018 Time: 11:00 am Jacaranda Trace Address: , , Venice, FL, 34293 | Map