Obituary: Jeffrey K Schaffer

Jeffrey K Schaffer (August 15, 1948 – October 10, 2026)

Jeffrey K Schaffer, 78, of Manchester, Mich., passed away October 10, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Jeff’s family and friends will gather on Monday, October 19, from 2pm to 4pm, and 6pm to 8pm, at Eineder Funeral Home — Manchester Chapel. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 20, at 10am, at Emanuel United Church of Christ. His funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 20, at 11am, at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 324 W Main St, Manchester. Pastor Cheryl Kaiser will officiate. His ashes will be interred at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Jeff was born on August 15, 1948, in Ann Arbor, Mich., to William and Joyce (Jedele) Schaffer. A 1966 graduate of Manchester High School, he attended Cleary University where he met his best friend and the love of his life, Constance Dillingham, of Fowlerville, Mich. Jeff and Connie celebrated 55 years of marriage on September 4, 2026.

Jeff served his country in the Army Reserves during the years of 1968 through 1975. He worked for Wolverine Pipeline for 30 years and served the community of Manchester his whole life. He served multiple times as the Mayor of Manchester as well as on the Village Council and the Manchester School Board. In his retirement years he dedicated his time to his family and helping others in the community with small jobs, errands, and taking them to appointments.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Connie; children Dawn (Brian) Simon and William (Jayme) Schaffer; his brothers, Larry and Rob (Elaine) Schaffer; his grandchildren, Ashley Sabadell, McKenna (Zack) Smith, Thomas (Abby) Rhodes, Jessicia Schaffer, and Jordan Rhodes; his great-grandchildren, Anthony, Paisliegh, Kendall, Augustus, Luka, and Haden; step-grandchildren, Brian Simon Jr., James (Carey) Simon, and Madison Simon; and step-great grandchild, Nolen Jr. His was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Ronald Dillingham; sister-in-law, Barb Schaffer; and his nieces, Christy Dillingham and Becky Schaffer.

Jeff will be remembered as a man of the community, and a loving husband, father, and grandpa.

Memorial contributions can be made to Emanuel United Church of Christ and Arbor Hospice.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.