John Paul Rehm, 65, of Butler, admired for his skill as a carpenter, painter, and poet, died Saturday at home after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis.
A 1976 graduate of Butler Area High School, John played as a linebacker for the Golden Tornado and later studied architectural design at the Butler County Community College, earning an associate degree. He worked as an independent carpenter and for a time also worked for the John Knoll Construction Company before he set up his own house-painting firm, the JPR Painting Company.
For much of his life, John was an avid sportsman — fishing nearby lakes and creeks for trout, bass, and bluegill – and he was a much sought-after competitive player in the old Franklin Field Softball League for many years. He remained a life-long fan of the Steelers.
Drawn to nature, John’s watercolors, pen and ink and pencil drawings over the years reflected his eye for the details of the flora and fauna of the region. He wrote several sketchbooks of poetry and essays that displayed his gentle nature … and sly humor.
John valued his communities at the American Legion Hall Post 117, the Slovak Sokol Society of Lyndora, and the neighbors at the Layfette Apartments. He served as an usher at both St. Paul’s Church and St Michaels.
A beloved brother and uncle, John is survived by three sisters and five brothers, Barbara (the late Agustin) DellaPorta of Washington, DC, Dr. Theresa (Tom) Thewes of Edinboro, PA, Joan (Roy) Schnur of Mechanicsburg, PA., Thomas (Anne Weise) Rehm, James (Rita Pennington) Rehm, Michael Rehm and David Rehm, all of Butler, and William (Karen Rossie) Rehm of Carrboro, NC. John also leaves behind 14 nieces and nephews and 21 great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mary S. (Czyzyk) Rehm and Robert C. Rehm Sr. of Butler, as well as his brother Robert C. Rehm of Stockton, CA, and two sisters Mary Ann Rehm of Pittsburgh and Susannah (Andrew Gress) Rehm of Sedona, AZ
REHM – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Center Avenue, Butler. Arrangements by the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler.