Harold J. Reihl

Harold Reihl was a natural leader, a man who had the knack of effortlessly drawing people together. Whether it was organizing an activity for the Knights of Columbus, motivating his employees, or masterminding a surprise 40th birthday party and humorous skit for a siblings birthday, Harold could always be counted on to be the one to make things happen. His determination, his boundless enthusiasm, and his big heart will never be forgotten by the many, many people whose lives he brightened and whose hearts he touched. Harold was born on April 29, 1951, to proud parents Joseph N. and Martha T. (Faber) Reihl. Harold was born in Mt. Pleasant and grew up in Beal City, Michigan. His father, Joe, supported his family as a farmer and a custodian at Central Michigan University, while his mother, Martha, stayed home to help on the farm and raise the children. With seven children in the family, this was a full-time job! Harolds siblings were named Rose, Vera, Howard, Edward, Helen, and Joseph. Harold was a very hard worker, even as a child, and often helped out with chores on the farm. As Harold grew into a teenager, he discovered what would be a lifelong love for sports. While he was attending Beal City High School, he participated on the school basketball team. He wanted to play football as well, but responsibilities on the farm prevented him from joining the team. Finally, in his senior year of high school, Harold got his chance to play. He was a natural, and after only one season on the field he was selected for All-Area, All-Conference, and All-State! After Harold graduated from high school in 1969, he enrolled at Ferris State College. On October 9, 1971, Harold married the love of his life, Peggy Pohl. Harold and Peggy went way back " they had known each other since kindergarten. The young couple dated throughout high school, and it wasnt long after graduation before they decided they wanted to spend their lives together. Their wedding was held at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Beal City. Harold and Peggy settled down into married life, with Harold earning a living as a butcher and meat cutter for Strauss Processing in Weidman, Michigan, and McConnell Freezer Pack in Clare, Michigan. Harold was a hard worker, and this combined with his friendly, outgoing personality soon won him many friends at the workplace. As the years went by, Harold and Peggy were overjoyed to welcome two sons into their family: Nicholas Lee and Joshua John. Harold was a proud father, and loved spending time with his boys. As the boys grew older, they shared his love of sports, and Harold spent many happy hours coaching their pee-wee baseball teams and supporting their athletic efforts. In the winters, Harold really got into the holiday spirit " he played Santa Claus every year, and did it so well that his own sons didnt even recognize him! After Strauss and McConnell, Harold moved on to work at the meat department at Farmer Jacks. Harold rapidly moved up the chain of command at Farmer Jacks, first being promoted to meat department manager, and then to manager of the entire store. Harold was a great manager, combining wonderful leadership skills with kindness and a quick sense of humor. He always respected the people who worked for him, and would never ask them to do something that he wouldnt do himself. In 1997, Harold moved to Brighton, Michigan, where he managed the CVS Pharmacy. Throughout his life, Harold was a prominent citizen and an active member of the community. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), as well as the Knights of Columbus. He started out in the Beal City Council 3651, and after he moved to Brighton he became a charter member of the Knights Council 12295, where he was known simply as H. He was also an ardent supporter of his alma maters athletic programs (Beal City High School), and often attended athletic events. Harold wasnt just a big fan, he was the biggest fan " he even earned the nickname of Super Aggie, after the school mascot! Harold also volunteered as Santa Claus in Brighton, where he played the part for fifteen years straight. While Harold was never big on traveling, he and his wife did get away occasionally. They took a trip to Disneyland in 2006 as well as a train trip to Branson, Missouri. By the time they arrived in Branson, Harold had developed such a friendship with fellow passengers, that they were soon exchanging Christmas cards each year! He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, and was never happier than during family gatherings. In 2011, Harold and Peggy moved back to their hometown of Beal City. Hard-working, kind, and big-hearted, Harold was a loving husband, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a true fan " Super Aggie. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Harold J. Reihl died at home on May 7, 2012, at the age of 61, with his family by his side. Harold is survived by his wife, Peggy of Beal City; his sons, Nicholas (Kristy) Reihl of Alma and Joshua (Angela) Reihl of Rosebush; his grandchildren, Ryan Anderson, MacKenzie Nemeth, Hailey Nemeth, Alida Reihl, Benjamin Reihl, Hannah Shaner and Peyton Reihl; his siblings, Rose (Jim) Sheahan of Lake, Vera (Ron) Bollman of Mt. Pleasant, Howard Reihl of Lake, Edward (Annette) Reihl of Lake, Helen Reihl of Lake, and Joseph Reihl of Weidman; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful lab, Gus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beal City, with Father Patrick Jankowiak presiding. The family will receive friends at the gathering room of the church on Wednesday, from 4-8 p.m., with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home.