Michael Terry Reif

Michael T. Reif, 76, of Graytown, OH passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Riverview Healthcare Campus, Oak Harbor, OH. He was born on November 15, 1948 in Toledo, OH to Junior Frederick “Joker” and Shirley Mae (Place) Reif. Mike graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1966. On September 28, 2002 he married Renee A. Dusseau, and she survives. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 over in Korea working as a Morris Code operator. Mike began working in masonry for Crozier’s Construction in Elmore, OH and then Mosser’s Construction in Fremont, OH, before establishing M.E. Masonry as a co-owner/operator of his own masonry business. Mike worked for over 40 years in his masonry career, retiring in 2010. He continued to do small projects for his family and friends. Mike was a hard worker and lover of nature, who taught his family how to identify tree species. One of his retirement goals he was working on was turning his property into a park style setting. He enjoyed gardening, clearing trees, and driving through the woods at home. Mike was also a big Harley Davidson fan and owned a trike and enjoyed trail riding out West. His cat, Jaspurr, was special to him as well.

Mike had previously served as Zoning Inspector for Benton Township and was a member of the Oak Harbor American Legion Post #114. Mike enjoyed wine tasting and brewery tours, and hosting dinners at their home. He had a flare for unique finds and enjoyed “picking” for lost treasures, especially primitive tools. Mike also liked to shop at Gerwin’s Rust Dust & More in Gibsonburg. Mike had an ability to solve unique problems and fix things. He was a DIY’er at heart and had inventions that could have been on his favorite show, Shark Tank.

Mike’s family is going to miss him as their go to person, having their daily talks with him and his philosophical “Mike-isms”, as well as his belting out a song at any given moment, especially “The Chewing Gum Song” during Karaoke.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Renee Reif, daughters, Joelle (Rob) Mullen and Danielle (Ron) Lajti, grandchildren, Karter Lajti, Karson Lajti, Eliza Mullen, and Stella Mullen, and sister, Ginger Stayancho. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Mike Stayancho, and granddaughter, Kaegan Mae Lajti.

Visitation for Mike will be Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 2-8 p.m. at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 E. Water St., Oak Harbor, OH. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 20, 2024 at Zion United Methodist Church, 18045 W. Williams St., Elliston, OH. Military honors will be conducted outside the church following the service by the Oak Harbor American Legion Post #114. Memorial contributions in memory of Mike can be given to Riverview Healthcare Campus Auxiliary for beautification of courtyard and outdoor spaces or Zion United Methodist Church, Elliston, OH.