Jeffery Schaedler

Jeffery Schaedler passed away July 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. For all who knew Jeff, it was no secret that his number one passion was his family. Together with the love of his life Kathy, whom he affectionately called “Blondie,” he raised 10 children and over eighteen years fostered more than 400 other children. It was a chaotic and wonderful family life that he adored.

Jeff was raised on a farm in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, but spent many years on the other side of the border in Sylvania where he raised his family. After the death of his beloved wife, farm life called him back to Ottawa Lake where he helped his neighbors to plant and harvest while indulging in a passion he found later in life, restoring antique tractors.

He loved his life on the farm and was happiest sharing it with family. If he wasn’t feeding you, he was building you a fire for smores and playing music for all to enjoy together. John Denver, Emmie Lou Harris and Johnny Cash were some of his favorites. He especially loved teaching his grandkids to drive his tractors and the golf cart he bought specifically for them.

Jeff was the guy to call for help because he always said yes. He would help you renovate your house, put brakes on your car, harvest your soybeans or sit and have a bourbon and cigar with you. He was also always up for an adventure, whether taking the whole family to a lake house or travelling with Chad through China or his many visits to see Julie in London. He loved to see new places and to experience new cultures.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he enlisted for the Vietnam War and was based in Germany where he served two years. He loved his life in Bavaria and would often share his adventures as a young GI.

Jeff was born on September 19, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio and was preceded in death by his wife Kathy, parents Virgil and Ruth and brother Bill. He is survived by his children Dean, Julie (Steve), Chad (Lori), Molly (Tom), Sarah (Kevin), Derek (Andrea), Jeremy, Emily, Alec and Maggie and his grandchildren Jake, Ryan (Kelly), Nicholas, Harry, Eva, Lua, Maddox, Jack, Isabella, Olivia, Iris, Neo, Allegra, Anabelle, Georgia, Stella, Landen, Gus, Harlow, Oliver and great grandson Mac.

Friends and family may call from 11am – 1pm on Friday, July 25 the at Reeb Funeral Home in Sylvania. There will be a service and burial immediately following.

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