Elwood J. Reau

Elwood J. Reau, 93, a lifelong resident of Petersburg, MI. passed away on July 14, 2026. Elwood grew up on the family farm and attended a one-room school on the Monroe–Lenawee County line until going to Summerfield Schools, where he graduated in 1951. He joined the Army and was stationed in Germany for much of his service. Upon returning to the States, he married Suzanne Burton at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Deerfield on May 21, 1955. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary one month before Suzanne passed away in June of 2005.

Elwood’s career included the Sealtest Dairy in Toledo and Deerfield Farmers Telephone Company in Deerfield/ Petersburg, where he led the central office operations for many years. After retiring, he enjoyed driving tractor part-time for Horak Farms. Elwood was a longtime Summerfield Township Volunteer Fireman, where, after retiring, he enjoyed helping the firemen pack Santa’s goodie bags before Christmas. A lifelong member of Light of Christ Catholic Church (St. Alphonsus) in Deerfield, he served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister and was an active participant in the Church Men’s Club. In later years, Elwood enjoyed playing euchre with the Dundee Senior Citizens. An avid golfer, he played many rounds at Deme Acres Golf Club and participated in the Thursday night golf league there from the 1960s until 2025. Elwood had many golfing partners through the years and cherished the memories with these great friends.

Elwood is survived by sons Mark (Brenda) of Petersburg, Bruce (Debbie) of Spring Lake, and Jeff (Sandy) of Petersburg.  Grandchildren Sara (Dan) Wever, Andrew (Cierra) Reau, Matthew (Tia) Reau, Amanda (Garrett) Schultz, and Alexandra (Cory) Howard, and great-grandchildren Thalia Reau, Ana Reau, Mila Reau, Brynlee Wever, Aubrey Schultz, Eleanor Reau, Emmett Howard, and newborn great-grandsons Carter Reau and Mason Schultz.  Elwood was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne; parents, Lawrence and Eldenia Reau; sister, Alice (Dolly) (Chuck) Hearl; brothers, Harold (Bud) Reau, Raymond (Carol) Reau, and Alvin (Maryann) Reau.

Family and friends may visit Capaul Funeral Home in Ida, MI, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 27th. He will lie-in-state on Tuesday, July 28th at Light of Christ Catholic Church in Deerfield, MI from 10 a.m. until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. Fr. Jeff Poll will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Suzanne.

The Reau family would like to acknowledge the staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio and Otterbein Sunset Village Sylvania for their compassionate care provided to Elwood in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Light of Christ Catholic Church in Deerfield, MI.