Warren W. Groleau

Warren was born on May 11, 1941, in St. Jacques, Michigan, to Edward and Jereta Groleau. He graduated from Nahma High School in 1959.

While playing music at the Groleau family farm, Warren met the love of his life, Christine Forslund. Their friendship blossomed as the city girl from Chicago and the small-town boy fell in love. They were married on July 1, 1961, and together built a life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and a love that endured for 65 years.

After high school, Warren attended the Soo Branch of Michigan Technological University, studying social work while playing college basketball on a scholarship. He and Christine proudly raised six daughters and, after purchasing the Groleau Farm in the 1970s, continued the family tradition of raising beef cattle and horses. He supported his daughters’ desires to show steers at the U.P. State Fair and helped Christine with the local 4-H club. Warren was known for making farm work a little more challenging–tightening the baler to make heavier hay bales or sending his daughters after escaped cattle. Those experiences became some of the family stories they laugh about most today.

Warren’s love of sports extended far beyond his playing days. After helping lead the Nahma Arrows to the 1959 state basketball championship and continuing his basketball career at the Soo, he went on to coach Little League and boys’ and girls’ basketball, referee high school games, serve as athletic director at Big Bay de Noc, and keep the clock at home games for many years. An avid golfer and member of the Nahma Old Timers baseball team, Warren believed sports taught teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. A devoted Detroit sports fan–especially of the Lions–he never lost hope that this would finally be their year and delighted in good-natured banter with Packers fans, especially his sons-in-law.

Music was one of Warren’s greatest joys. A gifted guitarist and bass player, he performed with several local bands, played alongside Christine in the 3G’s Polka Band, accompanied his wife and daughters as they sang in nursing homes, and provided music for Sunday Mass and numerous funerals. In retirement, he loved attending summer Music in the Park concerts throughout the Upper Peninsula with Christine. Of all his musical experiences, his absolute favorite was spending 25 years playing bass with Generations Band, where he found lifelong friendships with his beloved “band family.”

Family meant everything to Warren. He was, in every sense, the original “girl dad.” His daughters were truly his pride and joy and being a Papa brought him his greatest happiness. He gladly drove across Michigan and Wisconsin to be present for games and events and had just the right words after tough losses. Papa Warren loved to treat for ice cream or a cold pop from the Golf Course cooler. Christmas morning on the farm was his favorite day of the year, made even better by seeing his grandchildren’s joy.

Throughout his career, Warren served others with dedication–as a social worker, logger, timber buyer for Sawyer Stoll Timber Company, and Logging Safety Instructor at Bay College. He was equally devoted to Nahma, helping restore the Nahma Inn, supporting Christine’s Art Gallery, proudly owning the Nahma Golf Course for 30 years, serving as Township Supervisor, and helping found the Nahma Business Association. Warren was deeply committed to the town of Nahma and took great pride in helping it grow and prosper.

Whether on the golf course, in the bleachers, during a band break, or around the Groleau farm table with coffee, Warren delighted in sharing stories and spending time with family and friends. His stories, laughter, and love for those around him will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Warren will be remembered for his kind heart, steady advice, and deep love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed by Christine; his family and friends; his Generations Band family; and his lifelong best friend and uncle, Wade Groleau.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Brian Groleau; his grandson, Kyle Neurohr; his parents, Edward and Jereta Groleau; his parents-in-law, Harold and Esther Forslund; his brothers, Ronald, Donald, and Pat Groleau; his brother-in-law, Richard Forslund; and his sisters-in-law, Edith Groleau, Dani Groleau, and Mary George.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Christine (Forslund); his daughters Vicki (John) Schwab, Lori (Scott) Neurohr, Patti (Ken) Migut, Carrie (Darrin) Ranguette, Cheri Groleau, and Amie (Matt) Martin; his grandchildren Annie Schwab, Michelle Migut, Dylan (Karissa) Ranguette, Matthew (Megan) Ranguette, Averie Groleau-Cmelo, Oliver Martin, and Finn Martin; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Joel (Kathy) Groleau; and his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Groleau and Jackie Forslund and several special nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church in Nahma, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for lunch and the sharing of memories at the Nahma Township Hall. A Catholic burial will take place on Friday, July 10, at 11:30 a.m. at Rapid River Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to OSF Healthcare Foundation or the American Diabetes Association.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who provided care, comfort, and support during Warren’s final days, especially OSF Hospice and Lori Sundling.

The family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. To leave a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.