Michael O. Lareau, age 94, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2019. Michael was born in Detroit, one of twelve children and served in World War II as a Navy pilot. He is a graduate of the University of Detroit. In 1955 he came to Grand Rapids and began his career in radio broadcasting and after serving in many capacities went on to purchase WOOD AM/FM. Michael also served as president of the Peninsular Club and Cascade Hills Country Club. He was a wonderful husband, father and Grandpa/Poppa. Michael loved golfing and summers at Mountain Beach, especially leading the 4th of July celebrations.
Michael was preceded in death by his son, Bob; brothers, Larry, Eugene, David, Arthur and Phillip; sisters, Louise, Isabel, Mary Elizabeth and Corrine. Michael is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna; his children, Nancy (Les) Meuret, Jim Lareau, Michael (Sue) Lareau Jr., Mary (Don) Smith; daughter-in-law, Lucie Lareau; sisters, Carol (Micky) Kelly and Jeanette Werner; 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 28 from 5-8pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, 49546. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle, 2750 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, on Monday, April 29 at 11AM with Fr. Peter Damian presiding, with visitation one hour prior. Eulogy at 10:45AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s name to the Salvation Army, 235 E. Fulton St, PO Box 1873, Grand Rapids, 49503 or Father Solanus Casey Center – Detroit, 1780 Mt Elliott St, Detroit, MI 48207.
15 Responses
God’s arms are so wide. He will comfort you and your family. I’m praying for you and your family.
Mary and family, I am so saddened to read of the passing of your father. He always had the best smiles and the most comforting voice when I would come to visit. I am going to miss his smile for sure. I look forward to hearing the many great and fond memories you will share. Many hugs, prayers, and kisses to all of you.
you were a wonderfful person to know,so caring . Now you will grace heaven with your great and loving prsonality.
Thoughts and prayer to all. Was a great man, and enjoyed my many visits with him.
Prayers to Aunt Donna and my Lareau cousins. There’s a party going on right now as the siblings welcome their brother home. God’s blessings to all.
RIP: Mike Lareau
You have a Great family, my sincere sympathy to all…………
Jim, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father! Sending lots of love and prayers for you and your family today.
I am very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. We became good friends through my association for Consumers Energy with the Mountain Beach community. I visited with Mike often during the latter years of my career, often times just to enjoy each other’s company. I had not seen him the past few years since my retirement, but thought of him often. My sympathies to Donna, he was a fine man and will be missed by many, I know.
Jim Bernier
Donna and family, Keeping everyone in prayer. Always enjoyed talking with Mike on the non-fiction books he checked out at the library, getting the weather reports from him, smelling what he was grilling, the joy in his voice talking about his family, and his wonderful smile! We will miss him terribly.
Mary, Stacy, Ryan and Anya
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We were so sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Reg and I will not be able to go to the funeral but we will be thinking of you and Suzy. Love you.
Sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful man
Sincerely, Lynn Foley
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lareau family at this time of loss, with hopes the many happy memories of Michael Sr. provide you comfort in the coming days, With sincere sympathy
He will be missed, and our prayers go with you.
You will be Missed Uncle Michael. My Thoughts and Prayers and Lots of Love being sent to Aunt Donna and Nancy, Jimmy, Young Michael and Mary as well as the Grand-babies, Great-Grand Babies and Great-Great-Grand Babies. Quite an Awesome Legacy there. I am happy that you got to meet the Youngest Michael in this Amazing family too. I am also Happy knowing that you are being welcomed home by Gramma and Grampa and the rest of the Lareau Clan waiting for you at the gate. Love you and Proud of you and will Miss you so much. God be with you Uncle Mike. Although I already know that he is. <3
Dear Donna and Family, I am sending you many blessings today of love for you and your beloved Michael (Dad, Grandpa). What an extraordinary individual he was and I feel privileged to have known him and to have experienced his friendship. He was deeply caring, generous and kind. May his presence live on in all of you. With love, Jan Forrest Lundy