John Anthony Rehm

John Anthony Rehm passed away on June 19, 2026, at his Arbor Vitae Home with his family at his bedside. John was born Jan 11, 1949, in Tomahawk, Wi to Tom and Evelyn (Elliott) Rehm.

Born and raised in the Northwoods, it would forever be where his heart called home. He lived a grand life surrounded by a loving circle of family and friends.

He served in the United States Army in Viet Nam. Upon his return he briefly engaged in logging with his brother, Bob, working with a team of horses named Dick and Daisy. He then became employed at Northern Auto in Woodruff and later became the manager of a Northern Auto store in Chetek, Wi. When that store was sold, he went to work at Cray Research in Chippewa Falls, Wi. His heart called him back to the Northwoods and he became employed at Lakeland Sanitary District where he worked until his retirement.

He possessed a razor-sharp wit and a delightfully offbeat sense of humor. He loved being outdoors through all seasons, enjoying hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and snowshoeing. He liked fast cars, old cars, drop tops, trucks, motorcycles, boats, lawnmowers, and big ol’ slow tractors. If it had an engine and means of propulsion, he was all for it. He was an avid reader, enjoyed most music, and the occasional glass of bourbon. He reveled in exploring. Every road had to lead somewhere, and each was a challenge not to be ignored. He loved all the 4-legged companions he had throughout his life, each one special. He enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with those he cared for. He was a master of the grill and smoker, ribs being his specialty. He loved feeding family and his “clan,” at gatherings large and small, around campfires at motorcycle rallies, Lake Superior, and his own back yard. This allowed him to engage in another of his favorite pastimes, telling outrageous tales at every opportunity, a few even true. He was a master of little-known facts and not above fabricating outrageous ones to catch the gullible.

Above all else he loved his family deeply and enduringly. His grandchildren were a special joy. He was our rock when we needed one and a dear, soft-hearted companion the rest of the time. He loved to wear the guise of a curmudgeon but never very convincingly. His quick wit, strange sense of humor and easy laugh will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Shucha), sons Cortney (Melissa), Larry (Jessica), and Jason (Jamie), brother Richard (Pat), grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers David, James, Robert, and Lawrence (Beezer) and by sisters Mary and Ruth.

Per his wishes there will be no memorial service. Instead, think of him at your next campfire, tell a few tales, and have a toast to him.