Michael Leonard Sheffer

Firstborn to the late Dr. M. Leonard Sheffer and Mrs. Eleanor J. (Troutman) Sheffer in Reading Hospital, PA on June 18, 1946, Michael passed away quietly at his home on March 2, 2025 at the age of 78 years. He is survived by a younger brother, William F. Sheffer and was pre- deceased by his sister, Ann L. (Sheffer) Frondorf. Mike described an almost idyllic boyhood in St Lawrence, PA playing football with his friends and spending time with his grandfather while he worked. Michael graduated Exeter High School Class of 1964, serving as Valedictorian, then went on to study at Princeton University from 1964-1968. He later pursued a liberal arts education with a focus on religion at Temple University and also attended Oxford. He spent some time in Europe, a considerable amount of it in Germany, but also traveled to other countries, including Italy. However, the Vietnam War and other stressors led him to California to study under a Buddhist monk, eventually returning to Fleetwood, PA, where he became a self-employed carpenter, cabinet maker, and Christmas tree farmer. His woodworking skills were superb. His craftsmanship consistently showed the perfectionism of his work. Mike loved the outdoors and recalled how families would arrive each winter to select a Christmas tree and catch up on the latest. Those who were stopping by for the first time might have been a bit shy being greeted by a long haired "Mountain Man," but (as Mike would frequently and lovingly relate), his cocker spaniel, Cowboy, served as Goodwill Ambassador and erased any doubts as to the hospitality shown at his farm. Chronic and crippling illness forced Mike to retire early. He then focused on enjoying life in alternate ways: Listening to music and radio, watching classic old movies, performing gentle yoga, and watching sports. He often commented on how he loved the passing game in football, admired the athleticism of the ice hockey players, and spent many hours sitting in the sun listening to the baseball games on the radio. Mike is, and will always be, sorely missed by his partner, Laura Bernhard, her children, Timothy Bernhard and Erica, and husband, Jeremy, Jones, grandsons Halden Jones and Wyatt Jones, grandnephew Leo Wetzel, his niece Kimberly Sue Sheffer, nephew William Zachary Sheffer, niece, Shannon M. (Frondorf) Good, and husband Michael Good, their children Troy Good and Evangeline Good, brother-in-law, Brad Frondorf, and all the friends and acquaintances that he has charmed over the years with his good looks, his special smile and a wink, quick wit and humor, contemplative thoughtfulness, generous spirit and his joyous attitude towards the beauty of life. For a man who spent a considerable amount of time contemplating the meaning of life and how best to live that life, he sure has left us devoid of the meaning and joy his presence had brought. Mae Stump Funeral Home will be hosting a Celebration of Life Service for Michael, to be held this spring. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Berks Conservancy, Reading Pa.