Obituary of Louis Richileau

Louis Joseph Richileau was born in Monroe, Michigan on July 9, 1957. He was the son of the late Richard "Rich" Richileau and the late Emma (Hodge) Richileau. Joe attended Airport High School, and enlisted in the United States Army serving his country honorably and obtaining his diploma. Later in life, Joe earned his psychology card and a welding certificate. He married the love of his life the former Cheryl Lochner on August 28, 1986 in Toledo. He and Cheryl were baptized together by Pastor David Jones on May 25, 1995 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carleton. Joe supported his family as a self-employed master carpenter. He specialized in manufactured housing. For more than twenty-nine years, Joe served others through JR's Carpentry, Inc. He used his company as his ministry helping others by being a jack-of-all-trades, giving discounts, or sometimes not even charging at all. Joe liked to stay busy, he loved his work in fact he could be considered a workaholic. He always made the most of each opportunity for helping others, kind to all who came across his path, a great man he wore his heart on his sleeve, he was loving caring, precious. He was an excellent partner to Cheryl and a loving father to her children. Louis "Joe" Joseph Richileau age 55 of Carleton passed away Saturday morning, March 2, 2013 at Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne. His passing was preceded by his parents and two brothers. To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife of twenty-six years: Cheryl of Carleton; two children that he raised as his own: Jody (Matthew) Abrell of Luna Pier and Jimmy Francisco and Fiance Amber Raterman of Albion, Nebraska; two brothers: Jeffrey (Patty) Richileau and Daniel (Donna) Richileau; six grandchildren: Autumn, Dawson, and Denver Abrell, Alexis Reynolds, Callie Francisco, and Haleigh Raterman; three nephews: Eric, Jason, and Randy, and one niece: April; two uncles: Mike (Terry) Hodge and "Sonny" (Jenny) Hodge; two aunts: Norma (Jack) Sweat and Donna (Jerry) Held; and cousins: Todd, Carley, Carrie, Kristi, Tony, Billy, Peggy, Tim, Sherri, and Shane. Cremation has taken place. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.