James Schindele

James Schindele, 90, longtime educator in Stephen, MN, died on Monday, February 23, 2026, in his home under care of hospice, surrounded by his family.

James George Schindele was born on August 26, 1935, in McVille, ND, the only child of George and Florence (Burke) Schindele. While he might have been a bit “spoiled” growing up in Tolna, ND, he was single-minded and worked hard... at sports. Graduating in 1953, Jim then attended UND where he studied education and pitched for the baseball team (which he was later inducted in the ND Baseball Hall of Fame). In 1959, Jim took a teaching Job in Stephen, MN; a job that would shape his life and where, in his words, he “stayed long enough and good things happened.”

He met a fellow teacher, Agnes Schafer, and before long the two were married on December 29, 1960 in Devils Lake, ND. Jim and Aggie made their home in Stephen, where they raised six children and where Jim continued to shape local students. Over his time in Stephen he coached EVERY sport the school offered, taught several grades, served as principal for sixteen years, received his Specialist degree from NDSU, merged Stephen/Argyle schools, and was the (sometimes reluctant) school superintendent for the last eighteen years of his career. As a younger man he enjoyed hunting and fishing, coaching, taking in whatever game was on the TV or radio, and keeping horses for rodeo and 4-H events. Later years found Jim and Aggie wintering down south and spending time with their grandchildren.

For all of his accomplishments, Jim's legacy lives on best in his self-deprecating quick wit, the one-liners that were always at the ready, his natural form of leadership, and in the lives of all of his students- even those who also happened to be his kids.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Aggie; five children, Jay (Trish) of Devils Lake, Douglas (Jane) of Stephen, Dan (Phyllis) of Park River, ND, Mary (Jeff) Chwialkowski of Argyle, MN, and Deborah (Brent Diemer) Schindele of Arizona; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Veranna) and Rachel Schindele, Nick (Bree), Jordan (Chelsea), and Evan (Autumn) Schindele, and Gage, Sidney, and Cade Chwialkowski; ten great-grandchildren, Noah, Ryder, Cole, Megan, Greta, Gavin, Gracie, Sophie, Riley, and Rae; and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Koelker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Jeff Schindele (d. July 30, 2025).

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM, in St. Stephen Catholic Church of Stephen, MN.
VISITATION: Thursday evening, February 26, staring at 5:00 PM; Prayer Service at 6:30 PM; in the Church; and one hour prior to Mass.
INTERMENT: St. Stephen Cemetery, Stephen, MN.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: Memorials preferred to any Stephen organization of the donor's choice.

A recording of Jim speaking may be found here: Jim Schindele- Speech about his time in Stephen, MN