Phillip Allen 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.
Schaedler 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, Schaedler carried his school spirit with him throughout his life. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Toledo in 1982, beginning a career shaped by community service and dedication to the law.
For many years Schaedler 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.
Schaedler was the executive director of Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan LLC (PREMi). In addition to PREMi, he was a member of the Dispute Resolution Center of Washtenaw County and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
A statement from PREMi noted that “Phill brought to PREMi the same values he carried throughout his life: patience, integrity, and a genuine belief that people, given the right space and the right guide, can find common ground.”
A proud Eagle Scout, Schaedler carried the values of scouting throughout his life and remained actively involved as a Camp Counselor for the Scouts for many years. Schaedler was a board member of Goodwill of Southeast Michigan, where he contributed his time and energy to supporting others in his community.
The last several years of Schaedler’s life were marked by dedication to his community and by the adventures and joy he shared with Jamie Lewis, his partner.
Schaedler is survived by his family including his sister, Laura Schaedler also of Tecumseh; his children Natalie (Nolan) Descoteaux and their daughter Cooper; son Kevin (Anna) Schaedler; their mother Barbara Schaedler; sister-in-law, Elaine Schaedler; nephews, Aaron (Joelle), Nathan, and Jeremy (Jennifer) Miller; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving Schaedler are Jamie Lewis, and her children Derek Righter, his children C.J. and Emelyn, and Scott, Katie and Allie Lewis. Also surviving are Schaedler’s very close friends, Jack and Kathy Prechowski.
A celebration of Schaedler’s life, to which he encouraged all to “wear bright colors and laugh together,” will take place on Friday, April 17, between 4 to p.m. at The Ashlar in Tecumseh, MI. A service honoring Schaedler will take place at 7 p.m. 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.
Schaedler 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, Schaedler carried his school spirit with him throughout his life. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Toledo in 1982, beginning a career shaped by community service and dedication to the law.
For many years Schaedler 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.
Schaedler was the executive director of Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan LLC (PREMi). In addition to PREMi, he was a member of the Dispute Resolution Center of Washtenaw County and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
A statement from PREMi noted that “Phill brought to PREMi the same values he carried throughout his life: patience, integrity, and a genuine belief that people, given the right space and the right guide, can find common ground.”
A proud Eagle Scout, Schaedler carried the values of scouting throughout his life and remained actively involved as a Camp Counselor for the Scouts for many years. Schaedler was a board member of Goodwill of Southeast Michigan, where he contributed his time and energy to supporting others in his community.
The last several years of Schaedler’s life were marked by dedication to his community and by the adventures and joy he shared with Jamie Lewis, his partner.
Schaedler is survived by his family including his sister, Laura Schaedler also of Tecumseh; his children Natalie (Nolan) Descoteaux and their daughter Cooper; son Kevin (Anna) Schaedler; their mother Barbara Schaedler; sister-in-law, Elaine Schaedler; nephews, Aaron (Joelle), Nathan, and Jeremy (Jennifer) Miller; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving Schaedler are Jamie Lewis, and her children Derek Righter, his children C.J. and Emelyn, and Scott, Katie and Allie Lewis. Also surviving are Schaedler’s very close friends, Jack and Kathy Prechowski.
A celebration of Schaedler’s life, to which he encouraged all to “wear bright colors and laugh together,” will take place on Friday, April 17, between 4 to p.m. at The Ashlar in Tecumseh, MI. A service honoring Schaedler will take place at 7 p.m. 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.
