Obituary of Stephanie Jean Schleuder

Stephanie Jean Schleuder passed away peacefully at age 73 on June 26, 2023 after a courageous struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Preceded in death by parents Earl and Julie Schleuder, sister Joannie, and brother Kurt. "Steph" was born 03-07-1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended Richfield High School participating in seven sports. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she developed a life- long love for the "North Shore." Steph was a successful collegiate volleyball coach for 34 years, including; Bemidji State, Minnesota Duluth, University of Alabama, University of Minnesota and Macalester. She was a pioneer in advocating for women's sports and a fierce defender of Title IX. Steph was a Hall of Fame coach honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), USA Volleyball, University of Minnesota Duluth (the first woman inductee) and Richfield High School. She served for years as the President of the AVCA and authored several books on the art and science of coaching volleyball. Coach Schleuder impacted the lives of countless athletes and cherished these life-long friendships. Steph was a "force of nature" who combined sensitivity and humor in all she did. She was a talented artist who generously shared her drawings for use by professionals in interviewing children. Steph set her sites on traveling the world, developing her own itinerary, renting a car to explore remote cultures and places. She visited 50 countries, especially loving the animals of Africa, and the Malbec wine of Argentina! Her quick thinking and creative solutions got her out of many "international incidents." Her story-telling about her travels and every other aspect of her life is legendary. She deeply valued her friendships. They supported her through some tough times and buoyed her with their love and laughter right up to the end. At Steph's request she will be interred with her mother, father and sister in a private graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery. Special thanks to The Pillars of Prospect Park, Grace Hospice, and Jamie Barber, PA for their kind and loving care. Memorials in Steph's honor preferred to: Women's Sports Foundation; womenssportsfoundation.org/support-us/ Mayo Clinic Lewy Body Dementia program: https;//philanthropy.mayoclinic.org>donatemc Arrangements through the Cremation Society of Minnesota.