Stephen Scott Schell

Stephen Scott "Steve" Schell, 49 years old, departed this life May 26, 2023, surrounded by close friends and family, at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was born April 28, 1974 in Dallas, Texas and grew up in Irving, Texas.

Stephen was Salutatorian of the 1992 graduating class of the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas. He entered military service on June 28, 1992, as a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy. Stephen spent the next four years as a member of the "Bad@SS Blackbirds" of Cadet Squadron 28 as the Class of 1996, one of the few USAFA classes to remain in the same squadron all four years, forging incredible bonds of brotherhood. Stephen was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on May 29, 1996, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. While on active duty, his assignments included Section Commander of the Security Forces Squadron at the USAF Academy and Undergraduate Pilot Training flying assignments at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi and Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas in the T-37 and T-1 aircraft respectively.

Steve found his professional niche in the auto industry, quickly ascending the executive ladder with his uncanny ability to recruit talent, build culture, and create teams that drove outstanding results. His intellect, charisma, and tireless work ethic made him an award-winning Managing Partner at various major companies throughout the nation, including Van Tuyl (now Berkshire Hathaway) and the John Elway Auto Group.

Steve had an insatiable appetite for nature and adventure. He cage dived with great white sharks in South Africa, trekked through cheetah-infested plains of Zimbabwe, and competed in mixed martial arts competitions in Japan. Steve was also a passionate snow skier and a licensed Master Scuba Diver. He was a lover of all types of music and was a fanatical movie watcher, often quoting lines in his everyday life. He was a real-life superhero, displaying the dependability of Captain America, the machismo of Superman, and the superhuman strength of Thor. At the end of the day, his family and friends meant the world to Steve, and he would move mountains to be there for those he loved. Strength and loyalty were two of his most cherished traits, and he exemplified them every day.

Stephen was preceded in death by father, Robert William Schell. Stephen is survived by wife, Ashley Nicole Schell; children, Cayden Dean Schell, Brynnley Cole Poligala-Schell, and Declan Robert Schell; mother, Kathy White Huffman and husband, Major General, U.S. Army, Ret. Walter Huffman; sister, Stefani Schell Breisch and husband, Jason Glenn Breisch; niece, Micah Alley Breisch; nephew, Jacob Jinks Breisch; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.