705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Author: chastain
36

Lorraine Blanche SchlegelPassing: January 13, 2026

Service:

Mitchell Presbyterian Church

Memorial Service

Saturday, January 24th @ 10:30am

Visitation:

No Visitation

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Private Burial

MITCHELL – Lorraine Blanche Schlegel, 91, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Mitchell Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center with her family by her side.

Born March 2, 1934, in Rockford, Illinois, she was the daughter of Frank Arthur and Eleanor Blanche (Wilson) Bennett.  She married Dr. Rex Stanley Schlegel on March 24, 1995 and they were married for 30 years.

Lorraine retired from Burris Elementary School after 30 plus years as a teacher. Her favorite word was “joy”, and her joy was expressed as an inspiring teacher to many children. She was a longtime member of Mitchell Presbyterian Church and enjoyed attending a ladies bible study in Mitchell. Lorraine was also a member of the Mitchell-Grissom Kiwanis Club. She was a very caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Lorraine was a friend to everyone she met.

Surviving are her husband, Dr. Rex Stanley Schlegel of Mitchell; children, Sharon (Vance) Shipman of Mitchell, William (Shelly) Cooper of Mitchell, Karen (Dan) Key of Williams, Dr. Michael Stanley (Karin) Schlegel of Colorado, David Wayne (Lisa) Schlegel of Bloomington, and Dr. Stephen Keith (Rebecca) Schlegel of Germany; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her parents and sister, Marilyn Johnson, preceded her in death.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 24, at Mitchell Presbyterian Church with Pastor Byron Buker officiating. A luncheon will follow. Private burial will be held at Mitchell Cemetery.

Lorraine will be greatly missed, but will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Memorial Gifts:  Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services and IU Health Hospice

Sign the Guestbook

36 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Kathy Baker | Santa Fe, TX
    Date: February 11, 2026
    I’m so sorry to hear of Lorraine’s passing. She was a remarkable influence on so many. Deepest sympathies to her family. — Kathy Baker
  2. Guest: Joe Timbrook | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: January 23, 2026
    She was my favorite teacher ever in the Mitchell School system as a fifth grader. She knew just how to reign us in and we have laughed for decades about the "eraser" incident. I know God will give your family peace and comfort. Praying for the entire family!
  3. Guest: Glenda Ferguson | Paoli, Indiana
    Date: January 18, 2026
    Sharon and family, Sympathies to your family. Lorraine was one of the first teachers I met when I started teaching at Mitchell as the brand new (rookie!) Title I. teacher. She encouraged me and loaned me some of her JOY daily. I will forever be grateful for her kindness. Sharon, you inherited the same traits. Many blessings to you.
  4. Guest: Lorie Holt Murphy | Corydon, Indiana
    Date: January 18, 2026
    So sorry to hear of her passing. She was the best 5th grade teacher ever. So, kind and loving.
  5. Guest: SissyJolley | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: January 18, 2026
    So very sorry to hear of the passing of Lorraine She was always one of the sweetest caring people I ever met, always greeted me with a hug.She will be missed.Prayers to the family.
  6. Guest: Michelle Henderson | Lexington Kentucky
    Date: January 18, 2026
    Her lessons shaped my life into what it is today. She inspired me to create and do things differently was ok.
  7. Guest: Cathy Blackwell | Williams, IN 47470
    Date: January 17, 2026
    Ron and I are so sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you and praying for the family.
  8. Guest: Odis King | Honolulu, Hawaii
    Date: January 17, 2026
    My deepest condolences. She was a great teacher and her lessons not only shaped me, but all of the other students that she taught over the years. I am grateful for those lessons.
  9. Guest: Carey Wood | Mitchell IN
    Date: January 16, 2026
    Prayers
  10. Guest: Bob Braman | Greenwood, IN
    Date: January 16, 2026
    Deepest condolences to the family. Such great memories of "Mrs. Cooper," my 5th grade teacher at Burris. I know she impacted so many MCS students during her long tenure teaching.
  11. Guest: Gay Strauss | Newburgh
    Date: January 16, 2026
    Dear Rex, Sharon, Bill and Karen, I am so deeply saddened to hear of Lorraine's passing. I always cherished her friendship, she was one special lady! My fondest memories are accompanying her to sing in the Mitchell Presbyterian Church choir. We always called on her to do the solos in the cantatas, as she had a beautiful soprano voice! I know she is now singing in Heaven with the angels! You are all in my prayers. Gay Strauss
  12. Guest: Muggs Murphy | Mitchell, IN
    Date: January 16, 2026
    My wish is for comfort and peace for the family. I was blessed to be a colleague at Burris for many years. I learned a lot from her. Lorraine also was my daughter’s teacher. Erin just loved her!!! RIP friend!
  13. Guest: Brenda Dunbar | Mitchell
    Date: January 16, 2026
    Lorraine and I were in Tri Kappa together for several years ...she always had a smile and a warm greeting for me ..I'm sure she will be greatly missed by all who knew her...a lovely lady . Thinking of Sharon and all her family.
  14. Guest: Bobby Brown | Venice Fl
    Date: January 16, 2026
    My deepest condolences to the family, your mother was a kind soul and a great human being!
  15. Guest: Mike Dalzell | Woodburn, Oregon
    Date: January 16, 2026
    Lorraine was such a great lady and I know how much of an impact she made in her community, her husband Rex's life and everyone whose life she touched. That is truly a life well lived with both purpose and effect. I always enjoyed seeing her whenever she and Rex visited Mike and I will miss seeing her.
  16. Guest: Pat Atkinson | Orleans, In
    Date: January 15, 2026
    So sorry for your loss ❤
  17. Guest: Amy Fox Hiott | Carmel, IN
    Date: January 15, 2026
    One of my very favorite teachers. She was so kind. Sincerest condolences to Rex and family.
  18. Guest: Mike Tanksley | Solsberry, IN
    Date: January 15, 2026
    I was so blessed to have had Mrs. Schlegel as my 5th grade teacher at Burris. Prayers of comfort and peace for all the family.
  19. Guest: Angie Mercer | Indianapolis, Indiana
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Lorraine was a lovely person. Always smiling and always thinking of others. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
  20. Guest: Amy Parker | Mitchell
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Sharon, Billy, Karen and family, Rob and I are so very sorry to hear of Loraine’s passing. I’m sure Rhonda is welcoming her to the heavenly choir. So many wonderful memories. She was always an encouragement and example to me in my faith journey. God bless you all. Love, Rob and Amy Parker
  21. Guest: Chris and Cheri Mannix | Bedford, In
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Sorry for your loss.
  22. Guest: Kathy Lewis Campen | Bedford In.
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Favorite teacher. Had her in 5th grade at Burris School in 1972.
  23. Guest: Sheryl Walton | Mitchell In
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Mrs. Schlegel was a joy to be around. I worked with her at Burris and she also taught all three of my children. She was a kind smiling lady who always made the best of every day. So sorry for your loss but so blessed to have called her friend.
  24. Guest: Sonja Mills | Indiana
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Sweet lady , she'll be missed
  25. Guest: Michelle Haley Magruder | Whiteland IN
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Michael and family, My condolences on the loss of your mother. I hope all your many happy memories to help you through this difficult time.
  26. Guest: Bob Connell | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Sorry. Condolences to the family.
  27. Guest: Meegan Ebacher | Avon, IN
    Date: January 15, 2026
    A great lady and one of my favorite teachers. She read us The Bridge to Terabithia in 5th grade and I always think of her when I see that book. I have nothing but fond memories of her. Condolences to the family.
  28. Guest: Keli Parker | Mitchell, IN
    Date: January 15, 2026
    One of the sweetest and kindest teachers I had. She brought so much joy to her students. My sincere condolences to her loved ones.
  29. Guest: Tammy malott | Mitchell Indiana
    Date: January 15, 2026
    She was a great lady. Good teacher. Prayers to the family.
  30. Guest: Paula Dorsett Taylor | Indianapolis, IN
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Mrs. Schlegel was my fifth grade teacher, and I just loved her! She was a neighbor when I lived in Lawrenceport. I became a teacher as well, and taught fifth grade for a few years. She was truly an inspiration to me and many others! What a wonderful legacy! She will be missed, but remembered fondly. My condolences to the families.
  31. Guest: Sandy Neal | Orleans IN.
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Such a sweet and caring lady and a wonderful teacher. Prayers go out Karen and her entire family. 🙏🙏🙏
  32. Guest: Keely Thomas | Grove City, OH
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Rex and family, So sorry to hear on the passing of Lorraine! I such fond memories of her as the wonderful teacher she was at Burris. Not a time I didn’t see her that she would have that beautiful smile and speak with me. My condolences and prayers are with you all!
  33. Guest: Anita Stephens | Indianapolis IN
    Date: January 15, 2026
    Such a beautiful and sweet lady. Prayers for Karen, Sharon and Bill and their families.
  34. Guest: Sharon Shipman | Mitchell
    Date: January 15, 2026
    My beautiful, beautiful Mom! Words cannot express how much I love you and will miss you so much. You are my rock, my strength, and my inspiration. Our souls are bonded forever, and you taught me to have JOY in the midst of sorrow. Love forever, Sharon
  35. Guest: Steve Robertson | Milton, Florida
    Date: January 15, 2026
    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all her family and friends.
  36. Guest: Richelle Pemberton- Onley | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: January 15, 2026
    So sorry for the family’s loss. She was a favorite teacher of mine and one of the best.

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center