FRANKLIN
Michael J. Rembusch, 71 of Franklin, IN passed away Thursday November 11, 2021 at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis, IN.
He was born April 8, 1950 in Indianapolis, IN to Trueman T. and Mary Agnes (Finneran) Rembusch. Mike graduated from Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis. He started his career in 1967, popping popcorn and cleaning the Artcraft and the Crump Theaters. He progressed to eventually become Vice President of Syndicate theaters, eventually taking over as Owner/President of Syndicate Theaters. Michael was the third-generation owner of the Artcraft, an old friend to the Franklin community. In 2005, he built Canary Creek Cinemas, an 8-screen multiplex, including a drive-in. He enjoyed seeing the excitement of the theater’s patrons when they came out to the movies and always enjoyed how the theater grabbed the audience’s attention. The Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 by Frank Rembusch and continued in the family, with Mike being the last custodian of its heritage.
His other love was boating. He was an avid boater on the Ohio River and Florida Intercoastal waterway. Many family have fond memories of visiting Mike as Captain of the Matinee. Mike was an excellent gin player and also loved Texas hold em and Euchre, which would always be played with a can of soda on the side. When not on the water, you could find Mike riding his bike around town or eating lunch at Ann’s Diner. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and supporting them in their endeavors.
He was a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous, with 28 years of sobriety. He passed along to others what was so freely given to him. He knew how to bring light into the dark areas, and his light has passed onto all those lives he touched and that light will be carried on for years to come.
Survivors include his son Nicholas A. Rembusch of Indianapolis, IN, two grandchildren, Govanina “Govi” Rembusch and Wesley “Wes” Rembusch, former spouse Tara Leigh (Wick) Rembusch of Indianapolis, IN and his two dachshund, Benjamin and Franklin.
A celebration of life of Michael’s life with a time of gathering and sharing will take place on Sunday November 14, 2021 from 5:30 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. at The Historic Artcraft Theater 57 North Main Street in Franklin, IN.
Father Douglas Hunter will conduct a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday November 19, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Roch Catholic Church 3600 South Pennsylvania Street in Indianapolis, IN where the family will receive friends from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN.
In lieu of the flowers, the family strongly encourages memorial contributions be made to Franklin Heritage 57 North Main Street Franklin, IN 46131 attention Artcraft Theater Programs in memory of Michael J. Rembusch or at www.historicartcrafttheater.org.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
