Obituary for Jacob “Jack” Rehmann
Jacob “Jack” Rehmann, devoted family man and veritable Michigan institution, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his children on Wednesday, November 16, in Redding, California after a brief illness. In his own words, he was proudest first of his family and secondly of his business, and that showed in both his words and actions.
He met the love of his life, Connie, in 1948 at St. Andrew High School and married her in 1952. Together they raised five sons in Saginaw before moving to 80 acres in Freeland, where Jack found joy and peace in caring for the property, driving his John Deere, chopping wood, “walking the loop” through the woods and assisting Connie in her extensive gardens. He and his sons and their families loved gathering for reunions, from Christmas in Michigan to weddings in Italy and Costa Rica. Jack treasured spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking golf cart rides through the woods, singing along with Connie’s piano playing, providing sage business advice, and regaling them with hilarious stories and jokes.
The son of immigrant parents, Jack was born in Zilwaukee, MI on June 27, 1930; he graduated from the University of Detroit, then joined the Navy where he rose to the rank of Captain. After earning his CPA license, he joined Wagar Lunt and Oehring, growing the business into what would eventually become The Rehmann Group, a full-service accounting and consulting firm based in Saginaw, MI, one of the top 50 accounting firms in the country. He officially retired in 1992, continuing as Chairman Emeritus and filing tax returns for special clients for decades beyond that.
Jack loved building and being part of a vibrant community. A member of the Saginaw Club and Germania, he enjoyed both business camaraderie and the opportunity to make the world a better place. He worked tirelessly donating time, money, and expertise to the United Way, St. Mary's Covenant Hospital, Toastmasters, American Institute of CPAs, Knights of Columbus, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and Kiwanis (which dedicated a bridge on the Saginaw Township Pedestrian Path in his honor in 2019). He further stretched his humanitarian efforts to include hosting foreign exchange students, supporting families in India, and opening their home to a Laotian refugee family as they resettled in Saginaw.
Jack’s sage advice, quick wit, twinkling eyes, and unwavering integrity will be missed. He is survived by his beloved Connie (Bader) Rehmann of Redding, CA; Christopher and wife Rolawn of Paradise, CA; Susan (Greyerbiehl) Rehmann, wife of Stephen (d. 2016) of Traverse City, MI; James and wife Jennifer of Redding, CA; David and wife Susan of Camas, WA; and Daniel and wife Mary of Portland, OR. His huge heart and sense of humor live on in his 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who celebrate his spirit and continue his legacy in places as far away as Kenya and scattered throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, and Michigan.
Funeral Liturgy will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Rd., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Peter Gaspeny will officiate. Entombment will take place at St. Andrew Cemetery with Military Honors by the U.S. Navy and VFW #1859. Friends may visit at the church where the family will be present on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church of Saginaw, or the Saginaw Community Foundation.
He met the love of his life, Connie, in 1948 at St. Andrew High School and married her in 1952. Together they raised five sons in Saginaw before moving to 80 acres in Freeland, where Jack found joy and peace in caring for the property, driving his John Deere, chopping wood, “walking the loop” through the woods and assisting Connie in her extensive gardens. He and his sons and their families loved gathering for reunions, from Christmas in Michigan to weddings in Italy and Costa Rica. Jack treasured spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking golf cart rides through the woods, singing along with Connie’s piano playing, providing sage business advice, and regaling them with hilarious stories and jokes.
The son of immigrant parents, Jack was born in Zilwaukee, MI on June 27, 1930; he graduated from the University of Detroit, then joined the Navy where he rose to the rank of Captain. After earning his CPA license, he joined Wagar Lunt and Oehring, growing the business into what would eventually become The Rehmann Group, a full-service accounting and consulting firm based in Saginaw, MI, one of the top 50 accounting firms in the country. He officially retired in 1992, continuing as Chairman Emeritus and filing tax returns for special clients for decades beyond that.
Jack loved building and being part of a vibrant community. A member of the Saginaw Club and Germania, he enjoyed both business camaraderie and the opportunity to make the world a better place. He worked tirelessly donating time, money, and expertise to the United Way, St. Mary's Covenant Hospital, Toastmasters, American Institute of CPAs, Knights of Columbus, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and Kiwanis (which dedicated a bridge on the Saginaw Township Pedestrian Path in his honor in 2019). He further stretched his humanitarian efforts to include hosting foreign exchange students, supporting families in India, and opening their home to a Laotian refugee family as they resettled in Saginaw.
Jack’s sage advice, quick wit, twinkling eyes, and unwavering integrity will be missed. He is survived by his beloved Connie (Bader) Rehmann of Redding, CA; Christopher and wife Rolawn of Paradise, CA; Susan (Greyerbiehl) Rehmann, wife of Stephen (d. 2016) of Traverse City, MI; James and wife Jennifer of Redding, CA; David and wife Susan of Camas, WA; and Daniel and wife Mary of Portland, OR. His huge heart and sense of humor live on in his 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who celebrate his spirit and continue his legacy in places as far away as Kenya and scattered throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, and Michigan.
Funeral Liturgy will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Rd., Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Peter Gaspeny will officiate. Entombment will take place at St. Andrew Cemetery with Military Honors by the U.S. Navy and VFW #1859. Friends may visit at the church where the family will be present on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church of Saginaw, or the Saginaw Community Foundation.