Rosario H. (IO) Groleau, of 10570 North Main Street, Rapid River, MI died Tuesday morning March 4, 2008 at his daughter’s residence in St. Jacques surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.
Rosario was born February 5, 1920 in St. Jacques the son of Omer and Florestine (Sabourin) Groleau. Rosario was united in marriage to the former Myrtle Pomeroy on March 22, 1941 in Hazel Park, MI. Rosario honored his country by serving in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945 where he served with the 9th Armored Infantry Division in the European Theater in France and Germany. He earned many awards including the Bronze Star for valor.
His working career encompassed many different jobs including a steel mill in Detroit, Woodsman, Bay De Noc Lumber Company, construction work as a member of Local 324 Operating Engineers, and the KI Sawyer Air Force Base heating plant. He retired from Pomeroy Forest Products in 1985.
IO was a member of the Walter W. Cole Post #301 of Rapid River, St. Andrew Parish in Nahma, until moving to Rapid River where he was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Church for the past year.
IO called St. Jacques his home nearly all his life.
He was an avid outdoorsman and loved wood working, gardening, nature, and his family. He also enjoyed making maple syrup in the spring, just the exact way he was taught by his father. He was a man of strong faith and led an exemplary life in his Christian community. He was active in the Cursillo movement and loved to spend time at the Marygrove Retreat Center in Garden. He also loved singing and entertaining with his guitar. He was a member of St. Andrew's Choir for
many years.
In addition to his wife, the former Donella (Johnson) Ross who he was united in marriage to on January 14, 1995, survivors include:
Son: Rodney (Yvonne) Groleau of St. Jacques
Daughters: Connie (Bill) Hardwick of St. Jacques and Myrna Sonsalla of Richfield, MN.
Stepson: Robert (Melodie) Ross of Portland, Oregon
Stepdaughters: Pam (Terry) Strom of Clinton, WI and Kathy Miller of Janesville, WI.
Son-in-law: Richard Segerstrom of St. Jacques
Brothers: Gerald (Lorraine Thorin) Groleau of Gladstone, Gary (Sandy) Groleau of Gladstone, and R.
Wade (Marlene) Groleau of St. Jacques
Sisters: Rita LaBumbard of Escanaba, Rosalyn Plas of St. Jacques and Anita (Edward) Lamberg of Ensign.
Brother-in-law: Randy Johnson of Phoenix, AZ
Sister-in-laws: Roberta Johnston of Rockford, IL and
Diane (Norbert) Russell of Rockford, IL
17 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 8 step great grandchildren, 4
great-great grandchildren.
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to his parents, IO was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Myrtle, Daughter, Judy Segerstrom, brothers, Rudolph, Edward, Emil and Leo, Sisters, Leila Moser, Irene Clement, and Loretta Pomeroy, and Stepson, Michael Ross.
Rosario’s family will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 to 6:45 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Rapid River American Legion Military Rites will follow at 6:45 PM. A vigil service will follow at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial Services celebrating the life of Rosario H. (IO) Groleau will
be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Nahma with Rev. Fr. Tim Ekaitis and Deacon Rod Groleau officiating. Luncheon will follow services at the Nahma Township Hall. Burial will be in the New Garden Cemetery.
