Stephen Robert "Link" Lingenfelter

Stephen Robert “Link” Lingenfelter, age 77, and formerly of Terre Haute passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024 in Gilbert, AZ. He was born July 29, 1946 in Terre Haute to Robert J. Lingenfelter and Ruth Pauline Jarrett Lingenfelter. He grew up with two brothers, Dwight and John. He was the father of one daughter, Kristin (husband Brent). He was a proud grandfather to Katie, Jacob, Isaac, Abby, Kyle, and Kevin.

Steve was a 1964 graduate of Wiley High School and a 1968 graduate of Indiana State University. He also completed his masters degree and additional 30 hours of teaching certifications at ISU. Steve was a beloved teacher at Sarah Scott Middle School from 1972 – 2007 where he taught art, social studies, and computers. While at Sarah Scott, Steve was also a track coach, Academic Competition Coordinator, and co-sponsor of the Sarah Scott news team, WSSN which was made part of the CNN network in 2003, the first middle school in the nation to be afforded that honor.

Steve also pursued his love of photography throughout his life. It seems that he was happiest when he had a camera in his hand. In the late 1970’s, Steve spent several years as a sports photographer at the Terre Haute Star and was part of the photography team sent to cover ISU’s trip to the Final Four NCAA Championship in 1979, as well as other notable local athletes and events. Steve was a fixture at the terre Haute Action Track where he spent decades combing his love of photography and racing locally in Terre Haute. He was also staff photographer for 25 years at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Along with sports photography, Steve was a very well known and respected wedding photographer in Terre Haute, having created his own photography business, PhotoLink, in the 1980’s.

Steve retired from teaching in 2007 and moved to Arizona to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. He was the loving owner of several rescue dogs, including Dexter, Phoenix, Indy, and Maggie.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and both of his brothers, Dwight and John. He is survived by his daughter, Kris, and his grandchildren, as well as sister-in-law, Lynne Lingenfelter and nephews Erich Lingenfelter (wife Missy) and Lyle Lingenfelter (wife Cana), and several great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is planned in Terre on June 29, 2024 at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street. Visitation is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home with services scheduled at 1:00 p.m. If friends should desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Terre Haute Humane Society in Steve’s honor