Karl W. Schettenhelm, Jr.
On September 14, 2024, Karl W. Schettenhelm, Jr., of Longmont, Colorado, formerly of Rochester Hills, Michigan, peacefully passed away at the age of 75 after an extended illness. Born to Karl W. Schettenhelm and Betts Schettenhelm in Detroit, Michigan, Karl graduated from the University of Michigan (B.A.), University of Detroit (J.D.), and Wayne St. University (LL.M. Taxation). For over 40 years, Karl was a respected attorney and counselor in the areas of estate and succession planning, wealth management, and charitable giving. A loving father and proud grandfather, Karl built his life around his marriage to Suzanne for 52 years. Karl (Mac) was defined by his strong faith and his commitment to serving his community and connecting people. He was a friend to everyone he met. He served on boards at his parish and his children’s schools. After he traveled around the world in 1969, he continued to enjoy travelling throughout his life. He cherished the spirit of the University of Michigan, from the Diag to the Big House. And nothing pleased him more than spending time with his grandchildren.
Karl is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his children Matt (Peyton), Emily (Aaron), and Phil (Kelly); and his grandchildren Dylan, Avery and Will; Natalie, Claire, and Ben; and Theo, Finn, and Owen.
A memorial for family and friends will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his honor to Lighthouse of Oakland County and St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit.
Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.
I’m sending love, support, and condolences. I thought of your Wolverine clan regularly— especially during football season. I’ve seen so many pictures on Facebook, all in maize and blue. A game will never be the same.
Sue, so very saddened to learn of Mac’s passing. Your undergrad years together at UM bring back fond memories of the friendly competition between our respective universities. All it took was four years in med school for me to create a co-allegiance to MSU & UM. GO GREEN! GO WHITE! GO BLUE!
Karl (Mac) Schettenhelm had 2 distinctly different personas…
Karl the consummate professional, a distinguished lawyer in estate and succession planning for 40+ years. Even then his only takeaway was the many times he was able to persuade wealthy clients to bequeath significant dollars to important causes, most often very sizeable grants to various (medical school, dental school) causes at his beloved University of Michigan (GO BLUE!). Defying all odds, where a long legal career would almost certainly compromise life attitudes, he remained a kind and selfless person with an almost naïve faith in human nature.
And Mac, who for the first years of our friendship we knew only as Mac, unaware of his alter ego, the always happy and generous friend. Jeanette and Sue started high school together (many years ago). I met Mac (and Sue) 52 years ago, and we have been best of friends ever since. Mac and Sue were more family to us than friends; our kids were born and grew up together, often viewed as siblings or at least as cousins. Our lives have been inextricably linked through these many years. As fate would have it, after many years together in Michigan, then our relocations to various other states, we were reunited in Longmont, Colorado as neighbors for the past 6+ years. We are so grateful to have had that time together.
What I will remember most is that Mac was the absolutely purest form of a kind, caring, and loving soul. He did not have a mean bone in his body. He never had a bad thought for anyone. He was always just an altogether nice guy.
It is not surprising that, before discovering Sue, Mac intended to become a minister. He would have been a great one, a loss for any church, but as their union produced 3 fantastic children who produced 9 fantastic grandchildren, the world is better for his choice.
All of us could do no better than emulate Mac as a role model! He will be missed by ALL who knew him! RIP our friend!
Sue and Karl were our neighbors in Rochester for many years and we watched each other’s children grow up together. Karl was so proud of his kids and grandkids. We celebrated all the milestones together–birthdays, holidays, weddings, retirements. Many a great party was had in our basement or theirs. Of course the Schettenhelm basement was all maize and blue. We treasure the moments we spent chatting with Karl on our front porch. He was the best neighbor and friend ever. RIP, dear friend.
Mac was my brother in law and very close to me in my teens and 20’s, more like an older brother. He taught me how to canoe up in Traverse City on the Boardman River, and also taught me about having and keeping “perspective” in life and so many more memories. We had frequent and long discussions about life and spirituality and his guidance still remains in my heart today. Even though I chose to go the Michigan State for school (nemesis of his beloved Univ of Michigan lol ) he remained a reliable and kind family member and friend. He was an avid photographer in his younger years, and a stellar attorney for many many years. He never lost his faith in God and was/is a role model for so many. Rest in God’s eternal peace Mac. You will never be forgotten.
Mac,
You were an inspiration to us all! Until we meet again in another time & place, know that you remain in our hearts.
Peace & love to you,
-Pocahontas