Paul F. Lareau

Paul F. Lareau

American FlagPaul F. Lareau, age 78 of Brookfield.  Beloved husband of Kathleen Lareau, nee Quinn; loving father of Carol (James) Barlow, Jennifer (Tim) Baxa, Karen (Sanjay) Patel, Elizabeth Lareau; dear grandfather of Kate, Leigh, Anne Barlow, Ellie, Maddie, Mimi Baxa, Ailey, Neela, Finley and Ian Patel; brother of Suzanne Lareau; brother in law and uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Paul was born on November 24, 1942, in Detroit, MI, to Philip Lareau and Marie (Swartz) Lareau. He attended St. David’s grade school and De LaSalle High School. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Thomas Aquinas college in St. Paul, MN. He answered the call to serve his country and joined the Army Reserves for six years. Upon graduation, he was hired by Ryerson Steel in Chicago, and he remained there for his entire forty-year career. While there, he earned his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.

On a visit home to Detroit, he met his wife Kathy who was the sister of his good friend Dan. They were married more than 53 years, and she was the love of his life. Together, they raised four daughters and were blessed with 10 grandchildren.

Over the years, they enjoyed sunsets in Bayfield, Canada, lakeside fires and boat rides on Lake Templene in Michigan, and winters in Florida.

He volunteered and served St. Louise Parish in various positions, including pancake maker at community breakfasts, member of the finance committee for many years and chair of the Spirit of St. Louise fundraising effort. In addition, he served on the board of Pillars Community Health organization and was involved in the Lawndale Community Center during his days at Ryerson.

At the end of his life, Paul reflected on his good fortune, saying “I had a great life, a wonderful wife and family, lifelong friends and a great job. What else can you ask for?”

Visitation Wednesday, August 11, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd. 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.

Funeral Thursday, August 12, 2021 at St. Louise de Marillac Church, corner of 30th and Raymond Ave., La Grange Park. Mass 10:00 A.M.  All are asked to meet at church for Mass and masks are required.

Interment Private

Memorials appreciated to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL  60611 or Pillars Community Health, 23 Calendar Avenue, LaGrange, IL  60525.

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please click on the link below and you can leave the family a message. If you wish to send a Sympathy Card to the Family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o the Paul Lareau Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.

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Messages of Condolence

  1. Katie Bikulcius condolence:

    Paul, you were a lucky man. And those around you were lucky as well. Peace to you, and much love. XOXO


  2. Vince Bourdeau condolence:

    My condolences to Paul’s family and his sister Sue. My prayers are with you.


  3. Marshall Persky condolence:

    Paul was a combination of gentleman, coach, and leader. It was a privilege working with him.


  4. Douglas Wroblewski condolence:

    Paul was one of those persons that one is grateful to have had the occasion to work with…practical, honorable and friendly.

    Doug Wroblewski


  5. Genevieve R Carroll (Dakoske) condolence:

    Our condolences to Kathy, Paul’s family and to his sister, Sue. Paul was my first friend, growing up on Rosemary St.He, my brother Tom, were either playing basketball in our yard, or we were at the Lareau house, on the front porch, talking. jokes, just having fun. Our families were inseparable!!! Thanks for all the memories, Paul. Jenny and all the Dakoske Family


  6. Bonnie Sak condolence:

    Dear Aunt Sue, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear brother. He appeared to have lived a wonderful, full life, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Our condolences to you all. Love Bonnie, Tom and family.


  7. Bob Nicholson condolence:

    So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was always such a generous host, taking us out for boat rides, and beating us at dominoes.

    My condolences to Paul’s family.


  8. Judy Stulsas-Max condolence:

    My deepest sympathy. Paul was a good man and my mentor. He got me to go to college and get my degree. I can never thank him enough. After he was supervisor of accts payable he was moved to my dept, sales costing, I was terrified. He turned out to be the nicest boss I ever had. I will miss catching up with him at Ryerson lunches.


  9. Elizabeth & Tom Burke condolence:

    Our family’s sincere condolences to Kathy & all of Paul’s family. What a joyful & giving person he was. Many fine memories. RIP Paul.


  10. John and Vicki Johnsonbaugh condolence:

    We were so blessed to have known Paul. Such fun times we had. Ice fishing, eating the little filets, blowing leaves, golfing, going to The ER during a tornado warning, having cocktails, enjoying Lake Michigan. Thank you for being a special part of our lives. Kathy, you will be in our prayers for as long as we are here.


  11. Rohini Patel condolence:

    My deepest condolences to you! Paul was was a kind, caring, sentimental, and wonderful man that lived by his principles and values! One x-mas when the Lareau’s were kind enough to have me over (as I the sister in law of Karen) I was so touched when Mr. Lareau read the x-mas Kathy gave him that x-mas and he had tears in his eyes. I was so blessing to know such a great person in life and the beautiful family he created. He was a great role model for men and fathers. He has left a legacy for all of us! He will be missed! RIP Paul….Rohini


  12. Sherlag condolence:

    Our deepest sympathy to you. We are Alyce’s parents and always enjoyed Paul when we talked with him next door or at the pancake breakfast.A truly wonderful person who will always be with you in your heart!


  13. Jim Reinert condolence:

    My deepest condolences to you and your family Kathy. I can say that Paul was a great friend. What a class guy and a real person who I had the privilege of working with for over 30 at Ryerson. I remember our kids growing up together , getting a hamburger in Chicago,planting the ivy from your Michigan lake house and so many other personal and business encounters. Rest well my good friend in the heaven above us all!,,,


  14. Michael falasz condolence:

    Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the honor of working with Paul in the Credit Dept. @ Ryerson and learned a lot from him. I enjoyed seeing him and you @ mass @ St. Louise after retirement. Rest in peae, Paul.


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