Joseph A. Scheid, 54, of Coldwater, passed away unexpectedly while working at the Coldwater Police Department on Monday, August 3, 2026.
The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Dearth Community Center in Coldwater with Pastor Mark Case officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, August 10, 2026 from 2:00-7:00 PM at the Dearth Community Center. Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Joe was born April 1, 1972 in Jackson, MI to Leo & Suzanne (Allen) Scheid. He graduated from Jackson Northwest High School in 1990 and went on to play football for Grand Valley State University, earning his degree in Criminal Justice in 1996. Joe married Jodie L. Brown on May 9, 1998 in Mt. Morris, MI.
Joe dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community with integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment. He joined the Coldwater Police Department in 1996, advanced to Road Patrol Sergeant in 2001 then became Deputy Director of Public Safety in 2012. Throughout a distinguished career in law enforcement, Joe became the Director of Public Safety in 2019 and was currently still serving in that position. One of the most rewarding chapters in Joe’s career was serving as a K-9 officer alongside his loyal partners Athos and Schila for 12 years.
Joe’s dedication to his community extended far beyond the badge. He was involved in many professional organizations in various capacities and community outreach programs. He was a driving force behind “Handle with Care”, ensuring that children experiencing trauma received the compassion and support they needed. One of Joe’s favorite events was “Shop with a Cop”, bringing joy to children and their families during the holiday season. He was passionate about education and loved to share his knowledge, formerly teaching as an adjunct professor at Kellogg Community College. Joe was instrumental in establishing the Coldwater Police and Fire Scholarship Fund, encouraging young students to pursue a career in public safety/ law enforcement.
Joe was an avid sports fan who enjoyed deer hunting, racing and spending time on the water boating with family and friends. He spent many years coaching his daughters’ softball teams, not only teaching the game but inspiring confidence, teamwork and perseverance in countless young athletes. In 2015, Joe founded the BATS softball program, creating the opportunity for young girls to play travel softball at a higher level. His commitment to sports never wavered, as he continued to serve as a respected umpire for high school and collegiate softball and football.
Above all else, Joe was a devoted husband and father whose love for those closest to him was unwavering. In his community and throughout his profession, he has touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership and kindness. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Joe is survived by his wife Jodie; his daughters Tyler Scheid of Canberra, Australia and Mackenzie Scheid of Coldwater; his parents Leo & Sue Scheid of Coldwater; his sister Lisa (Tim) Wallbaum of Jackson; his nieces and nephews John Wallbaum, Alexandra Brown, Max Brown, Stella Brown, and Molly Brown; his mother and father in-law Michael & Monica Brown of Birch Run; his brothers and sisters-in-law Rob & Andrea Brown of Hernando, MS, and Pete & Emily Brown of Okemos.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to support two programs that Joe believed in: The Coldwater Police and Fire Scholarship Fund supporting higher education for Coldwater High School or Pansophia Academy students or the Public Safety Gym Fund supporting the health and wellness of the city’s police and fire personnel.
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