Steve Schlager

Stephen Paul “Steve” Schlager, 59, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 26, 2026.

Steve was born on September 4, 1966, in Casper, Wyoming, to Walter Neal Schlager and Mary Gertrude Wood Schlager. He was the youngest of four children, joining his siblings, Tim Schlager, Kathy (Schlager) Flowers, and Daniel Schlager. Growing up, Steve worked at the family business, Nolan Feed, rode bareback broncs, and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1984.

Following in his father's footsteps, Steve joined the United States Navy shortly after graduation. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, he dreamed of becoming a jet pilot. When his eyesight prevented him from pursuing that path, he chose instead to help keep aircraft flying safely. His "plane" was the S-3 Viking, which he worked on while stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California.

Steve married Linda Vargas, and together they were transferred to Naval Base Guam. Their two sons were born there: Jacob Paul Schlager on March 12, 1990, and Jonathan Daniel Schlager on June 15, 1992. Although Steve and Linda later divorced, he remained a devoted father. Both of his sons proudly continued the family tradition of military service, and Jonathan further followed his dad by pursuing a career in law enforcement.

After completing his military service, Steve began a career in law enforcement as a motorcycle officer, a position he often described as less like work and more like "having fun on a motorbike." He served with the Guam Police Department before returning to Casper, Wyoming, where he continued serving his community in law enforcement. Later, he was elected and served as a Natrona County Commissioner. Throughout his career, Steve was deeply committed to public service and was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

When Steve was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, he could no longer fly the aircraft he loved. Undeterred, he turned his passion toward radio-controlled airplanes and eventually amassed a small hangar full of them. His love of aviation never diminished. He could identify nearly any aircraft by the sound of its engine and rarely let a plane pass overhead without checking where it had come from and where it was headed.

On May 21, 2017, Steve married Michele Grover Osmond in Rigby, Idaho. Through that marriage, he gained two bonus children, Alexa Lee Osmond and Jason James Osmond. Together, Steve and Michele made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Steve loved spending time with Michele and his family. He enjoyed camping, fishing, kayaking, photography, and rescuing St. Bernards. Rarely could he be found without a large camera around his neck or resting in the seat beside him. He took thousands upon thousands of photographs, capturing the beauty of the world around him. Steve was deeply patriotic and proudly flew the American flag, military service flags, and a Thin Blue Line flag at his home.

More than anything, Steve found joy in helping others and spending time with his grandchildren. He delighted in sharing his passions with them, already spending countless hours teaching little Payton James ("PJ") about military history, aviation, and aircraft identification.

Steve is survived by his wife, Michele Grover (Osmond) Schlager of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his children, Jacob Paul Schlager, Jonathan Daniel Schlager, Alexa Osmond (Richard Thornell), and Jason James Osmond (Sandi Burrows Osmond); his grandchildren, Connor Damien Schlager, Payton James ("PJ") Osmond, and Olivia Jo Osmond; and five beloved dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Neal Schlager and Mary Gertrude Wood Schlager; his brother, Daniel Schlager; and his daughter-in-law, Emily Norris Schlager.

Steve will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism, his dedication to family and community, his passion for aviation, and his generous spirit. Whether behind the lens of a camera, piloting a remote-control aircraft, riding a motorcycle, or sharing stories with his grandchildren, Steve lived with curiosity, service, and enthusiasm. He leaves behind a legacy of love, duty, and adventure that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Services will be held at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Military honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Navy Honor Guard.