Robert Bruce Schadel Jr.

Robert Bruce Schadel Jr.

May 13, 1969 – April 8, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Bruce Schadel Jr. "Coach" of Lake Orion, Michigan announce his unexpected passing on Wednesday April 8th 2026. He leaves behind family who loved him including wife Allayna and son Benjamin, brother Scott (Samantha), Uncle to Hope (Mahlon), Chris (Heather), Alexis (Josh), Kathryn (Nick), Abigail & Lillian, Sister in law Cristal and Brother in law Mark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Karen Schadel. Rob was born in Pontiac in the Spring of 1969. Spring was his favorite time of year as it is the start of baseball season. He was a huge Detroit Tigers fan and never missed an Opening Day! Rob's love of baseball eventually led him to become a Coach for a young adult league. Even in his later years, he still talked about the lessons he both learned and taught on the baseball field.

Rob graduated from Michigan State University in 1992. He followed in his father's footsteps and played in the Marching Band when The MSU Spartans played in the Rose Bowl in 1988. Rob proudly bled green for the rest of his days. After college, Rob continued the musical legacy of his parents and went on to have a successful career in sales & management with piano dealer Steinway & Sons. Playing piano was a gift from God that brought him much joy. That joy was shared with many family & friends as he played at numerous weddings and celebrations.

Rob re-met Allayna in 2002 and they married in 2004. They had met in high school then reconnected later in life. Son Ben was welcomed in 2006 and he was the light of Rob's life! Rob truly loved being a father. From pee wee football to middle school band concerts, local basketball tournaments to travel baseball tournaments as well as Friday Night Lights for Varsity Football @ LOHS, Rob never missed a game or concert that Ben was a part of. His pride was also intensified when Ben was accepted into Michigan State University to study Sports Broadcasting and Journalism. Go Green, Go White, Go Spartans!

In his spare time, Rob loved to fish, listen to 80's music, root on his favorite sports teams (MSU Spartans, Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Tigers) travel with his family and ride his beloved boat "The Old Girl" around Lake Orion. The 4th of July holiday weekend was his favorite as he & Allayna always hosted epic Fireworks & Flare Night Celebrations.

For Rob, his friends were his family. Truly. If you had the good fortune of being his friend and you were stuck in Alaska with nothing, he would be on the first plane. He also never met a stranger. He always had a story to tell and more often than not, a captive audience.

Rob hated funerals. He rejoiced in celebrations. For this reason, Allayna and Ben have decided to celebrate "Coach" with a Large Celebration of Life this summer with date & venue TBD after Ben returns home after completing his sophomore year @ MSU. We invite and welcome all who loved him to join us in the Celebration. We will announce details as soon as they are complete. View obituary and share memories at www.sparksgriffin.com