Joseph Rousseau

Joe was born on January 3, 1941 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Albert and Ileen (Shannon) Rousseau. He attended and graduated from Gladstone Area Schools class of 1959.

Joe was united in marriage to the love of his life, Alice Froberg on December 23, 1963. They built their life together for almost 25 years and raised 5 children before she preceded him in death on July 5, 1988.

Joe worked as a toolmaker and machinist at Harnischfeger until its closing. He then worked and retired from the forestry service. He also spent time educating students on machining at Bay College.

A dedicated father and a proud Papa, family was the center of Joe’s life. He enjoyed all of his time spent with not only his children, but his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well.

A true musician at heart, Joe was well-known around the community for his musical talent and knowledge. He used music as a universal language that could heal, celebrate and connect people. Spending many years strumming with a band or solo for celebrations, events, funerals, and bringing comfort and joy to families. A trait that has been passed down to generations of the Rousseau family.

He was an avid Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers fan. He enjoyed fishing and tinkering. His knowledge of history, dates, times was uncanny and helped him with correctly answering many Jeopardy clues, as he never missed an episode. He also never turned down a game of cribbage, basking in the glory of winning someone else’s $1.

He was a man of faith and a lifelong member of the Community of Christ Church in Gladstone. His famous one-liners that will forever be quoted by his family and friends, “I’m glad you got to see me again!”

Joe is survived by children: Tammy LaPlant of Gladstone, Cheri (Dan) Arts of Escanaba, Laurie (Bruce) Bryant of Gladstone, Joseph Rousseau Jr. of Gladstone and Albert (Rhonda) Rousseau of Escanaba.

Grandchildren: Jason (Kim) LaPlant, Jake Kujala, Jared Kujala, Mandy (JDe) Miller, Brad (Hollie) Arts, Matthew (Tamara Moore) Arts, Shannon (Eric) Miron, Jeremy Bryant, Cooper Rousseau, Nate (Kaitlyn Lord) Rousseau, Nick (Cassie Miron) Rousseau.

Great-Grandchildren: Abby Jo, Autumn Rose, Joey, Hayden, Colt, Olivia, Everett, Emmie, Logan, Nolan, Hailey, Madison and Tucker.

Brothers-in-law: Bobby (Nancy) Froberg and Dennis Froberg

Sisters-in-law: Patsy Froberg and Lora Froberg

He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and special cousins.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Joe is preceded in death by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and his dear cousin, Wally Stearns.

The Rousseau family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the UP Health Systems Hospice team for their kindness, compassionate care, and friendship. Special thanks to Charlotte, Lexie, Danielle, Lorrie, and Patty.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 30 from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM with Donna Ritchie officiating. A luncheon at the Gladstone American Legion will immediately follow the funeral. Joe will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Alice in the Rapid River Cemetery. The family requests all guests to wear Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers attire, or something music inspired. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Rousseau family. To offer and online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com