- Date Of Death: July 4, 2017
- State: Michigan
Deacon Rod Groleau, age 64, of St. Jacques joined our Savior on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique.
Rod was born September 17, 1952 in Escanaba, the son of Rosario and Myrtle (Pomeroy) Groleau. He was raised in St. Jacques and graduated with the class of 1970 from Big Bay de Noc School.
Rod was united in marriage to Yvonne Gouin on May 26, 1973 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Nahma. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, where he served as the Minister of Music, on the Parish Council and as a CCD teacher for several years. In 2001 Rod became a Deacon and has served the Garden Area Catholic Churches ever since. He was a man of great Faith whose kindness has touched many lives.
Rod worked a variety of jobs during his life. After going to school in Minnesota for broadcasting, he became a Radio DJ. He also worked in logging and construction. Rod returned to college and received an associate degree in data processing and became the assistant manager of the UP Mutual Insurance Company of Rock. Rod also served as the Nahma Township Clerk for twelve years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Rod loved music and has played professional since the age of fifteen, most recently with the band Generations. Many have enjoyed his voice singing the National Anthem at Big Bay de Noc sporting events and Rod was also a member of the St. Andrew’s Church Choir.
Rod enjoyed golf, going to camp, hunting, fishing, his “coffee clutch” every morning, visiting casinos, playing cards and sports of any kind. He was especially a fan of the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and the Spartans. Rod truly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and playing Yahtzee with them, they were his “Sunshine”
Rod is survived by his wife, Yvonne Groleau of St. Jacques; daughter, Lori (Ed Mauhar) Sundling of St. Jacques; sons, Scott (Jeff Heidtman) Groleau of Skandia and Brent Rochefort Jr. of Escanaba; grandchildren, Samantha and Lucas Sundling of St. Jacques; sister, Connie (William) Hardwick of St. Jacques; sister-in-law, Darlene Cayemberg of St.Jacques; step-mother, Donella Groleau of Clinton, WI; step-sisters, Pam and Kathy; step-brother, Bob and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Judith (Richard) Segerstrom and Myrna Sonsalla, brother and sister-in-law, Don and Suzanne Pomeroy and brother-in-laws, Robert Cayemberg and Dennis Gouin.
