Phillip A "Phil" Schaedler

Philip Allen "Phil" Schaedler, born April 17, 1954, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, after receiving exceptional end-of-life care from the neurology department at the University of Michigan Hospital.

Phil will be greatly missed for many reasons, particularly for the way he celebrated the beautiful, delicious, and wonderful adventures of life. He was always up for taking the scenic route and was known for 'going to do something', and bringing others along for the ride. Often found reading, Phil loved to share his favorite books with his family and friends. He enjoyed travel, including trips to Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, St. Simon's Island and Michigan's upper peninsula among many others. He was an avid golfer, and he especially loved to share that sport with others including his children Natalie and Kevin. Phil had an indiscriminate sweet tooth and was a proud Jeopardy champion nearly every night right from his couch. Phil never met a stranger and loved to chat with newly made friends while traveling.

A proud Eagle Scout, Phil carried the values of scouting throughout his life and remained actively involved as a Camp Counselor for the Scouts for many years. Phil was a board member of Goodwill of Southeast Michigan, where he contributed his time and energy to supporting others in his community.

Phil graduated from Blissfield High School in 1972 before continuing his education at Michigan State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1977. A proud and lifelong Spartan, Phil carried his school spirit with him throughout his life. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo in 1982, beginning a career shaped by community service and dedication to the law.

For many years Phil worked in risk management, first in Michigan then in North Carolina. He spent later years in private practice and then found his niche working in mediation. He felt great reward in bringing two opposing sides together to a peaceful resolution… something we can all hope to emulate. He was a member of the Dispute Resolution Center of Washtenaw County as well as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

The last several years of Phil's life were marked by dedication to his community and by the adventures and joy he shared with Jamie Lewis, his partner.

Phil is survived by his family including his sister, Laura Schaedler also of Tecumseh; his children Natalie (Nolan) Descoteaux and their daughter Cooper of Dallas, Texas; son Kevin (Anna) Schaedler of Pinckney, Michigan, their mother Barbara Schaedler, sister-in-law, Elaine Schaedler and nephews, Aaron (Joelle), Nathan, and Jeremy (Jennifer) Miller, and many more nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving Phil are Jamie Lewis of Adrian, and her children Derek Righter, his children C.J. and Emelyn, and Scott, Katie and Allie Lewis. Also surviving are Phil's very close friends, Jack and Kathy Prechowski of Holly, MI. He will also be deeply missed by his loyal dog, Max.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Rhea (Miller) Schaedler; his brother, Doug Schaedler; sister, Carlor Miller and brother in-law David Miller.

A celebration of Phil's life, to which he encouraged us all to "wear bright colors and laugh together," will take place on Friday April 17th between 4 - 8pm at The Ashlar in Tecumseh, MI. A service honoring Phil will take place at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Dispute Resolution Center of Washtenaw County or the University of Michigan Hospital Department of Neurology.