Rene John Robitaille, age 85 of Gladstone and Mission, Texas, died on February 24, 2010 at Doctors Hospital Resonance in Mission, Texas with his family at his side.

Rene was born on November 1, 1924 in Escanaba, Michigan, to Emil and Florence (Chenier) Robitaille.  Rene graduated from Escanaba High School then entered the army, serving in WWII during the Battle of the Bulge.  Shortly after returning home he owned and operated the Mobile Gas Station and Used Car Business in Gladstone. Rene was a loving husband and father who loved to bake bread and play cards and pool with his friends in Texas. He was involved with the Cursillo and Marriage Encounter movement for many years and lived in Wells and Stonington before retiring in 1982 and going south to Texas for the winters.

Rene is survived by his wife of 45 years, Loretta (Chouinard) of Gladstone and Mission, TX; Children Rick (Michele) Robitaille of Iron Mountain, MI Jerry Otradovec (Gail Santi) of Green Bay, WI, Rosie (Paul) King of Gwinn, Lorie (Mike) Anderson of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Michele (Kerry) Landfield of Austin, TX, Beth (Brian) Fuller of Marquette, MI and Mary Oliver of Green Bay, WI. He is also survived by one brother, John (Barbara) Robitaille of Escanaba, MI; sister-in-law, Beverly Robitaille of Escanaba, MI; 18 Grandchildren, 22 Great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Florence Robitaille, his brothers Russell, Ray, Clarence, Harold and Gerald.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, March 1 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock, MI. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6:00 PM at the church with Rev. Fr. Jose Maramattam officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow services in the Father Matt Hall. Rene will be laid to rest in the Escanaba Township Cemetery in the spring. Use the form below to leave the Robitaille family a message of condolence.