Michael N. Schaeffer

Michael Nelson Schaeffer, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 8, 1949, Michael was a proud graduate of Walnut Hills High School and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University, each with high honors.
While attending The Ohio State University, Michael was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships. He also worked at an apartment complex, where through his hard work and personality he built relationships that endured for the rest of his life. Those relationships were a catalyst for many of the successes in his law practice.
Michael would probably say that the best part of his time at Ohio State was finding the love of his life Elizabeth (Hyman) who he knew since childhood. They dated throughout college and married in 1972. Liz and Michael were married for 53 wonderful years. Together, they built a strong family and a fulfilling life together.
Michael began practicing law in 1975 and co-founded the firm Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe in 1977 with law partners and friends Harold Kemp and Steven Rowe. The firm continues to thrive to this day, a testament to Michael's original vision and dedication-and a living legacy he has proudly passed on to his son, Scott.
Michael was giving of his time to others and to the things he supported during his life including as a Board member of the Columbus Jewish Federation and an advisor to Congregation Beth Tikvah.
A lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan, Michael's immense love for baseball was unmatched. He fulfilled a dream by playing in a fantasy league in Cooperstown, managed his softball team for nearly 40 years and spent countless hours coaching youth sports - often learning the game alongside the kids he mentored. Fiercely competitive yet endlessly compassionate, Michael brought heart and humor to everything he did.
Michael was a passionate classic car enthusiast, especially when it came to Corvettes. Together with his brother Steven, they rebuilt a 1960 Corvette, and he owned a 1970 Corvette he bought new while working at the Chevrolet Camaro plant in college. He kept both for the rest of his life.
Pursuing a lifelong desire to be on the water, Michael bought his first boat in 1986. This year, nearly 40 years later, he took his last boat ride in the same boat – a testament to his care and mechanical skill. Michael and Liz continued their love of being on the water when they built a house in Marblehead on Lake Erie where they enjoyed many years with their friends. Lately, they have stayed by the water in Naples, Florida where they have spent time during the winter.
Above all, Michael was a proud family man. He was the devoted father of Scott (Heidi) Schaeffer and Lori Schaeffer (Jerrod) Pingle, and the exceptionally proud grandfather of Daly and Hanna Schaeffer and Sara and Ethan Pingle. He was the loving brother of Steven Schaeffer (Barbara Cooper-Schaeffer) and Carol Schaeffer. Michael is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Jean (Silverblatt) Schaeffer and his father Bernie Nelson Schaeffer. Michael's greatest joy was bringing his family together, and he made it a personal mission to have annual family trips to create lasting memories and bonds.
Michael was tremendously proud of all his family's accomplishments and took every opportunity to celebrate their successes with them. His legacy is one of love, loyalty, friendship and laughter. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral service will take place Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 11:00 am at Congregation Beth Tikvah, 6121 Olentangy River Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085 (Zoom Link Below). Family will be present to welcome guests beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Family will welcome guests to their home immediately following graveside service.
The family asks that donations in lieu of flowers be made to The Michael and Elizabeth Schaeffer Charitable Foundation to support causes that are dear to Liz and Michael (Foundation Link below) or other charity of your choosing.