Mike Rheaume, 76, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2020 from complications of dementia. He was born on August 5, 1943 in Detroit, MI, to Elmer and Pat. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jo (nee Bekema), whom he married in November of 1975; their three sons, Brian (Casey), Brad and Kevin (Akiko); and three beautiful grandchildren, Charlie, Daisy and Hanna, of whom Mike was so very proud. Mike will also be mourned by his eight siblings, Nancy/Joe Kowalski, Marilyn/Paul Pardo, Carol Barkelew, Paul/Nancy Rheaume, Kathy Burrows, Chris LaPree, Rick Rheaume/Bill Adair, and Mark Rheaume; his nieces and nephews; his grand nephews; and his many, many cousins.
Mike loved family and kept them close in his social circle. He and his growing family lived in Chicago and then he and Mary Jo retired to Fort Myers, FL. He was devoted to his three sons, being actively involved in the Indian Guides and filming all their ball games. He loved the sun, the water and the beach and could be seen throughout the day walking the dog or paddling about in the pool. He had a great sense of humor, often inserting wry comments into the conversation, while laughing with the best of them. He had a sharp interest in genealogy and could be seen swapping family stories at the large family reunions held annually at the Valley View farm in Dryden, MI. He traced the Rheaume family paternal genealogy back through Michigan, Canada, and France to the 1600s, and maternal family documents through the 1800s. A devout Catholic, Mike attended mass every Sunday and was a Lector in the church.
Mike earned a BS in Engineering from the University of Detroit and an MBA from Wayne State University. He worked as a chemical engineer and then moved into market research for most of his career. Mike proudly served as an officer of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and earned the National Defense Service medal. He also served in the Army Reserves. Mike loved technology and was an early adopter, from 8mm film, computers, through virtual reality.
A Funeral Mass was held on Friday, July 10, 2020 at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, Dryden. Burial was made at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dryden.
Arrangements entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home – Almont, 138 South Main, Almont, MI 48003.
