Rehm

Michael Robert Rehm, 61, of Butler, died Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Butler Memorial Hospital of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

A gifted artist, illustrator and teacher, he was known as “Uncle Mike” to kids and adults alike, who delighted in his droll hand-drawn activity books and his deep commitment to attracting new generations of young people to the arts.

Born April 27, 1965, in Butler, he was a son of the late Robert C. Rehm Sr. and Mary S. Czyzyk Rehm. A graduate of Butler High School, Class of 1984, Mike studied studio arts at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1999.

Mike was the staff manager of New Dimension Comics for 14 years, moving the store from Clearview Mall to Main Street in downtown Butler, where it soon became a popular youth gathering spot. Earlier in his career, he worked at the Butler Area Public Library and as a freelance illustrator and designer.

At the library, Mike painted a vast — and witty — undersea mural around the walls of the children’s department. His murals also grace the walls of BHS Family Services, at 216 N. Washington St., and the Cubs Hall, at 113 S. McKean St., both in Butler.

A longtime member of the Associated Artists of Butler County (AABC), one of the area’s oldest cultural institutions, Mike taught drawing classes at its Art Center and Gallery. His association with AABC began in 2012, when, as an AmeriCorps volunteer, he became a driving force in the renovation of the Art Center, building a kitchen and an ADA-accessible washroom, and designing the Kids Art Gallery, complete with a ceramics kiln. Always ready to be of service, Mike created the cover art for the history book marking AABC’s 75th anniversary.

To celebrate Butler County’s Bicentennial in 2000, Mike created original artwork and designs used on official brochures, commemorative T-shirts and a series of activity books for children about Butler County history.

“He was an uncle to everyone who needed an uncle, whether they were related or not, and he showed up for everyone, no matter what they needed,” said his niece, Emma Rehm.

Michael is survived by three brothers and three sisters, James Rehm (Rita Pennington) and David Rehm, both of Butler; William Rehm (Karen Rossie), of Carrboro, N.C., Barbara Rehm della Porta (the late Agostino della Porta), of Washington, D.C., Theresa Thewes (Tom), of Edinboro, Pa., and Joan Schnur (Roy), of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and a brother-in-law, Andrew Gress, of Butler, the husband of the late Susannah Rehm.

He also leaves behind 14 nieces and nephews and 22 grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert C. Rehm Jr., Thomas Rehm and John Paul Rehm; and two sisters, Mary Ann Rehm and Susannah Rehm.

REHM — There will be no visitation for Michael Robert Rehm, who died Thursday, July 16, 2026.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, at All Saints Parish, St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Ave., Butler, with the Rev. Kevin C. Fazio officiating. A light luncheon will follow in St. Michael’s social hall.

Now on exhibit at the Butler Art Center and Gallery during normal business hours is the exhibit titled “Making Magic with Uncle Mike.” The family invites you to add to the exhibit with your favorite memo or photo.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of MARTIN FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

For more information, please visit www.martinfh.net.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.