Dennis "Deke" Reaume

Dennis (Deke) Michael Reaume

December 15, 1949 – June 21, 2026

Dennis Michael Reaume, 76, of Newport passed away peacefully with his siblings by his side on Sunday, June 21,2026, at Henry Ford Hospital in Wyandotte.

Dennis was born on December 15, 1949, in Monroe, MI to Alvie & Ada Reaume. He attended St. Charles grade school, Monroe Catholic Central, and was a 1968 graduate of Jefferson High school.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie and Ada Reaume (Roberts), and his brother-in-law, Gary Chapman. He is survived by his siblings: Nancy (Kenneth) Duffey, Ida: David (Denise) Reaume, Newport; Beth Chapman, South Rockwood; and Patricia (Larry) Geiman, Carleton; his nieces and nephews: Michelle (Paul) McLaughlin, Melissa (Robert) Gargol, Stephanie (Ergun) Reaume, Stacey (Eric) Reaume-Schmidt, Bryant Chapman, Bradford (Kristen) Chapman, Ryan (Megan) Geiman, Kelsey (Matthew) Geiman, and Kate (Austin) Krause; and great nieces and nephews: Grace, Brooke, Ethan, Connor, Clara and Amber.

Dennis was a Ford Motor Company retiree, a lifelong farmer, member of St. Charles Parish, past member of Monroe Knights of Columbus, past member of St. Charles ushers club and past member of Monroe Rod & Gun Club.

Dennis dedicated his life to the farm and his family. He was gifted with remarkable mechanical ability; there was rarely a repair or project on the family farm that Dennis was unwilling to take on. Our late father, Alvie, had unbelievable faith in him. He started driving tractor way too young simply because his uncles and dad knew he would be driving it anyway. And often said “at least if we put him in a field, we’ll know where he is.” And his involvement in the farm continued from setting up the planters and combines at about ten years old and completely overhauling the Oliver tractor at age 15. As his Oliver overhaul job continued into the wee hours of the night, his dad checked on him. Dennis told his dad he didn’t want to go to bed because he might forget how to put it back together. Dad went to bed and Dennis was driving the Oliver around the yard the next morning. Throughout his life, his repairs and projects grew in both size and complexity. Yet no matter the challenge, he embraced it with confidence and humor; creating countless laughs, some teasing, and lots of memorable moments.

Though Dennis projected a rugged, tough exterior, beneath it was a remarkably generous and giving heart. He loved his family and lived his life through their lives. Dennis was always interested in the lives of his nieces and nephews. Whether celebrating academic achievements, new careers, weddings, arrival of new babies, or other milestones, he was always eager to be involved, offer encouragement, and share their joys.

Despite being a lifelong bachelor, Dennis always cooked/baked like he was feeding an army. Whether it was making huge bowls of pasta salad, baking several large fruit cakes, preparing huge roasters of sausage and sauerkraut, or roasting enormous prime ribs, he found great joy in sharing what he had. It wasn’t uncommon to see him driving through the yards of his siblings, dropping off bags of meat for the grill, and making sure everyone had enough to share. And his giving spirit extended far beyond food.

Whether in a deer blind, a duck marsh, a goose field or an elk camp; Dennis cherished the camaraderie, adventure, and traditions that came with hunting. Proudly passing this cherished tradition to his nephews.

Dennis was also an enthusiastic sports fan following the University of Michigan basketball and football teams and the Detroit Lions, Red Wings, and Tigers.

Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Charles Academy or the fund for the construction of the new St. Charles Parish Center.

Friends and family may pay their respects at the Allore Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes in Monroe from 3-8pm on Friday, June 26, 2026.

He will lie in state at St. Charles Catholic Church, 8175 Swan Creek Rd., Newport, MI at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2026 with a Mass of Resurrection at 11am. The Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Hendrico (Henry) Rebello. Committal services will follow at St. Charles Cemetery in Newport.