Stephen Lane Schacht

Stephen Schacht, age 81, passed away on December 28, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his family was the true center of his life. He is survived by his two daughters, two son-in-laws, his four grandchildren, and his elder brother. Stephen was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Susan, who passed away earlier this year.

Stephen was born in Anaheim, CA, on January 24, 1944. He was very proud of having been born and raised in Anaheim, and even attended the opening day of Disneyland in 1955. He graduated from Anaheim High School, where he was active in choir and worked at the local gas station. Later he served his community as a member of the Lion’s Club and a board member for the Anaheim Convention Center Authority Board.

Stephen met Susan while she was working at The Snack Shop, and they married in 1965. They raised their two daughters in Anaheim, before moving to Seal Beach. Stephen always put family first and valued the connections he formed with his daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren and extended family.

Watching his children thrive in adulthood and seeing his grandchildren grow brought him a lasting sense of fulfillment. His family was a deep source of pride for him. Stephen placed a strong emphasis on family, as he loved to share family history and stories with his grandchildren. And, he always had a joke ready.

Stephen was a man of faith, who lived it through serving others. In the 1970s and 1980s, he served as an elder at Anaheim First Christian Church. He found a true sense of purpose in serving others, often through cooking. He loved to cook for his family and neighbors, with his specialities being ribs and artichokes, and “papa eggs” for his grandchildren. He made friends everywhere, and was a true example of unconditional love.

Stephen devoted 63 years of his life to the funeral profession. He served as a funeral director, embalmer, general manager, location manager, and leader in governmental affairs. He began his career working for Hilgenfeld Mortuary, before beginning a partnership with Don Baggott in what would become Baggott and Schacht Mortuary, and eventually becoming part of the SCI family. He was widely respected within the industry and was known as a mentor to funeral directors and staff. Through his work in governmental affairs, Stephen helped shape laws and regulations within the funeral profession with the goal of better serving families and ensuring compassionate, ethical care. He believed strongly in teaching others how to guide families with patience, professionalism, and dignity during life’s most difficult moments. His long career reflected steady leadership, deep knowledge of the profession, and a genuine love for the work he dedicated his life to.

Stephen will rest alongside Susan at Loma Vista Cemetery in Fullerton, California.

The family appreciates any comments or memories of Stephen you would like to share.