SCC agency co-founder Mark Schafer dies suddenly at 58

Mark Schafer

A memorial service was held Monday for Mark Schafer, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Schafer Condon Carter, who died Thursday of a heart attack at age 58

Mr. Schafer had retired from the agency in 2014 and he and his wife, Katie, had purchased a farm near Mauston, Wisconsin, where they were living at the time of his death.

Mr. Schafer was called by the agency “An exceptional advertising and marketing leader, he was also a kind, calm and rock-solid individual who inspired colleagues and clients alike.”

In 1989, Mr. Schafer and his University of Iowa college roommate, Tim Condon, co-founded the Schafer Condon agency whose fast and consistent growth led it to become one of the US’ leading, mid-sized independent agencies.

“Mark was a brilliant artist and creative executive who had an eye for powerful ideas and talent,” says CEO Condon. “As the agency grew he took on additional responsibilities as CEO. But what truly distinguished Mark was his human touch and sensibility.”

“The world is several billion short of the kind of man Mark Schafer was. He was a sweet, smart, humble, kind, considerate, sincere, loving, caring human being. And I will miss him.”

Mr. Schafer started his advertising career in 1984 at Mandabach & Sims working on the account side on P&G brands and Citicorp Diner’s Club. Moving to San Francisco, he worked at Lewis & Partners where he made the transition from account executive to copywriter.

He later became creative director on Nestle and Weyerhaeuser and earned numerous awards before returning to Chicago to start SCC.

He is survived by his wife, the former Katie Miller, children Margaret and Joseph, a brother and sister and large extended family. The memorial mass was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Church, at 1775 Grove St., Glenview.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.