R. Thomas Rehwald (Tom), 80, died in Huntley, Illinois on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, after fighting liver cancer in quiet strength. He was surrounded by family. Tom was born in Racine, Wisconsin on September 13, 1938, to Frances (Smieding) and Richard T. Rehwald. He married Rae Ann Place, his high school sweet heart and the love of his life, in Rockford, Illinois on December 26, 1960. After completing a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Economics at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania in 1960, he earned a Master’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois and passed the CPA exam in 1961. Tom began a very successful 47 year career in Business and Finance at Arthur Young and served as Vice President, Finance at companies in Chicago, New York and Sacramento.
Tom and Rae Ann raised two daughters in many homes across the country all filled with love, music, gourmet food, wonderful family, and the greatest of friends. Tom loved to entertain, drive fast cars, play with and watch fireworks, collect art, raise orchids, go to the movies, play Bridge, work puzzles and live out loud to all genres of music. He began playing Benny Goodman, Bill Haley, and Stan Kenton on the Hi Fi, with the volume turned up, in high school. He continued to upgrade audio equipment and increase the volume over the decades enjoying everything: violin and piano concertos, Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass, Johnny Lee Hooker, the Beetles, Doors, Pink Floyd, Elton John, U2, Stevie Wonder, Dada and so many more.
Tom was predecede by his parents Richard and Frances Rehwald, and brother Richard, Jr. (Dick). He is survived by wife Rae Ann, daughters Nancy (Patrick) Tomlin of Rockford, Illinois and Sarah (Gary) Allison of Gurnee, Illinois, grandchildren Robert Samuel, Rachel Marie, and Garrett Thomas Allison, and twin sisters Mary Rehwald of Ashland, Wisconsin and Sally (Michael) Yost of Taylorsville, California,.
The family is throwing Tom a “Celebration of Life” Party on September 14, 2019, 1pm to 5pm at Biaggi’s in Algonquin, Illinois.
In memory of Tom the family asks that donations be made to your local food pantries.
The family is being assisted by DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral and Cremation Service, 10763 Dundee Rd, Huntley, Illinois 60142.
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My sincere regrets at your loss. I consider it my loss to, although I hadn't seen him in years. He was a good friend, with a great deal of humor added in.
Our out pouring of love, larger than life memories and a gratitude for being taught how to truly celebrate life everyday, all of which are the gifts that we will carry forward from this moment on behalf of our Mr. Rehwald! We hug you all from our hearts, Rea Ann, Nancy, Sarah and all of Toms' family. Love, Pam and Terry Graham
Our hearts are full of many memories of great evenings spent with your parents and can attest to your dad's excellent taste in music (and audio equipment) and always felt so welcome. We're truly sorry for your loss. Charlotte and Richard Parks
I have just learned of Tom's passing this afternoon when looking for a way to contact Rae Ann. We knew each other in Sacramento for years and I have such fond memories of them both -- we were good friends for several years. If Rae Ann sees this, please contact me if you have a moment. I would love to communicate with you again. I am still in Sacramento, still married to Chuck. I remember your shredded potato, sour cream and cheddar cheese casserole-it was an absolute favorites of my Dad's -- sadly I have lost the recipe! Much love to Rae Ann and their daughters -- profound condolences for the loss of Tom.