Nelson Reau

Nelson Leo “Dedi” Reau, 84, of Oak Harbor, OH, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. He was born May 23, 1941, in Locust Point to Lawson C. and Lavida M. (Humphrey) Reau.

On August 4, 1968, Nelson married Frances C. Heller, and they shared 52 years together until her passing on May 21, 2021.

Nelson proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1959–1965 and later in the Navy Reserves from 1980–1988. He worked as a property manager at the Fiberglass Tower in Toledo until 1992 before spending years with Kenny Starkey, the IBEW, and Tesco. He also enjoyed his time working at Magee Marsh and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, where it all started when he was a young boy punting with his Dad for hunters. Nelson officially retired in 2021 after a long and diverse career.

A man known for living life on his own terms, Nelson was a collector of “treasures” and a regular at auctions. He had a unique way of “bucking the system” and never apologizing for being himself. Over the years, he touched countless lives—family, friends, and strangers alike—always ready to lend advice, share a laugh, or show someone how to get through the challenges of life. Nelson lived the way he wanted and died the way he wanted.

He left behind 10,000 people he helped to show what was needed to survive in this world. He and Fran had the belief that there was always room for one more, belly up to the table, find a place to sleep…Joe Roper, Mike Beltowski, Alaina, and Chuck S. to name a few.

The house was always bulging at the seams. We didn’t have much but there was always enough to go around.

Nelson is survived by his children, Barry (Lisa), David, Nelson “Lee” (Jess), and Jackie; grandchildren, Taylor (Jeff), Lindsey (Nate), Amber (Lucas) Buckley, William “Bill” (Renee), Christina Williams, Nikita “Niki” (Ricki) Zellner, David “DJ” (Nicole), Dalton (Chelsey), Alexis “Lexi”, and Amber Smith; 13 great-grandchildren; and his first wife, Patty Burrell. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances; sons, William “Chuck” Reau and infant Nelson Leo Reau; brother, Joseph (Connie) Reau; and daughter-in-law, Tina (Brown) Reau.

With heartfelt appreciation to “My Amy” from Hospice and their amazing team, they made his last adventure more comforting.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 15, 2025, from 5–8 p.m. at Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 E. Water St., Oak Harbor, OH. Graveside services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Limestone Cemetery, Benton Township, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made in Nelson’s memory to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg.