John Robert Schaden

John Robert “Bob” Schaden, age 88, of South Lyon, passed away on September15, 2024. He was born on May 30, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan; son of Francis and Sarah (McGowan) Schaden. Bob attended St. Agnes School before transferring to Sacred Heart Seminary where he graduated high school and continued his education earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He entered St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth and earned a bachelor’s degree in theology. Always seeking knowledge, Bob went on to earn a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan as well as a PhD in counseling from Wayne State University.

Bob was ordained into priesthood in 1962 and was assigned as the assistant pastor at St. Eugene’s Parish in Northwest Detroit. A few years later Bob was assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth and then to St. Edith Parish in Livonia. In 1973, he was assigned as the campus minister at Schoolcraft and Marygrove Colleges, before transitioning full time as the priest at The Newman Center which was affiliated with Schoolcraft. His tenure at Schoolcraft included the formation and leadership of a faith group which met monthly for over 25 years to celebrate the Eucharist. In 1981, Bob took a position as a professor with Schoolcraft College teaching both philosophy and psychology. Eventually becoming the chair of the philosophy department, Bob continued teaching until 2010.

Bob’s caring nature and exceptional listening skills allowed him to form meaningful connections with family, friends, and strangers alike. His ability to truly engage with those around him made a lasting impact on everyone he met. Although Bob’s decision to marry his best friend Bertha Ellen Kelly necessitated his resignation as an active priest, he never stopped ministering and providing pastoral counseling to those in need. Following Bert’s death in 2007, he became very involved in grief ministry through New Hope for Grief Support in Northville. He volunteered countless hours facilitating support groups and speaking at workshops for those who had lost loved ones. Bob continued his grief ministry work in Englewood, Florida where he spent winters enjoying the warmth and sunshine. It is through that he was given a second chance at love with Irene Ferguson.  Bob took great joy in spending his time outdoors. He was an avid golfer, skier, and fisherman, finding peace and pleasure in each of these pursuits.  He was a talented woodworker, creating beautiful cabinetry as well as handcrafted toys and rocking horses, which he lovingly gifted to his grandchildren. Bob was a true people person, known for his sociable nature and ability to connect with anyone he met. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his warmth and affection will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his wife Irene Ferguson; his stepchildren; Jackie Rostek, Tom (Donna) Kelly, Mary (Brad) Simmons, Robert (Stacy) Kelly, Michael (Anna) Kelly, Kathleen (Bob) Bruno, Sharon (Leonard) Grimando, and Irene (Bob) Viti; his siblings, Richard (Hongli Stacey) Schaden, Tom (Veronica) Schaden, Mary Ellen (John) Robertson, Fred (Chris) Schaden, and Sally (Kate O’Brien) Schaden; his Grandchildren; Cameron, Emily, Jonathan, Josh, Thomas, Liam, Alex, Ava, Rupert, Katie, Jenna, Colin, Matthew, and Adrianna and Great Grandchildren; Libby and Jamie. He was preceded in death by his first wife and best friend who he married in 1999, Bertha “Bert” Ellen Kelly, his stepson Mark Kelly, and his parents.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 6:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap Street, Northville. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church located at 133 Orchard Lake Dr, Northville. Bob will be interred on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to New Hope Center for Grief Support , 133 W. Main Street, Suite 113, Northville, MI 48167 or Bread for the World , 425 3rd Street SW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20024.