Noel Schlachter, 75, Bernalillo County, N.M.

Noel Schlachter, 75, Bernalillo County, N.M., passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the VA hospice in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by his loving family and the VA hospice team, who provided him with the utmost compassion and support during his final days.

Born on Christmas Day in 1949, in Huntingburg, to Othmar and Lucille Schlachter, Noel lived a life filled with laughter, kindness, and unwavering dedication.

A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Noel was the top scorer for his team in the Catholic Youth Organization. He also remained a devoted fan of the New Mexico Lobos, faithfully watching every game possible since 1969. 

At age 12, one of Noel’s most cherished memories was the unique honor of being selected as Deputy Sheriff of Santa Claus Land, Indiana, from applicants across the country.

Noel spent three years at Huntingburg High and graduated from Jasper High in 1967. After high school, Noel proudly served four years in the United States Air Force. Following his service, he built a distinguished career in government, dedicating 33 years to the Defense Nuclear Agency and TSA, where his TSA colleagues became a second family to him.

Noel’s greatest blessing was his family. He welcomed his first daughter, Kami, in 1970 and later shared a joyful reunion with her while he was in hospice. In 1971, he married Patsy Gonzales, and together they had Jennifer, a nurse whose legacy of care and compassion he was proud of. In 1987, Noel married Dolores “Dee” Baca, and they were blessed with their miracle daughter, Alena Rey. Dee and Noel shared 28 wonderful years together. When Dee passed in 2023, Noel looked forward to reuniting with her and now spends eternity by her side.

Noel is survived by his 96-year-old mother Lucille Haycox; daughters, Kami, Jennifer, and Alena; sons-in-law Jeffrey, Kevin and Patricio; his grandchildren Kierra, Kalana, Kolton, Blake, and Patricio; and his siblings, Joe Schlachter (wife Rhonda) and Carol Schlachter and half-siblings Karen Haycox (husband Steve) and Charlie Haycox (wife Melissa).

He is preceded in death by his father, Othmar Schlachter; father-in-law, Dencil Haycox, who retired after 20 years as the chief of police in Rio Rancho; brothers, Mike, Robert, and Jim; and Noel’s beloved wife, Dolores Schlachter. 

He was a man who left behind a legacy of love and kindness that will never be forgotten. 

Noel and his wife, Dolores, shared an online memorial that can be found at https://www.forevermissed.com/dee-and-noel-schlachter/