ROBERT ROULEAU

As a boy, he worked on the various commercial fishing tugs tying hooks to the lines and mending nets. He worked as a mason tender and any odd jobs. Growing up he served as an Alter Boy at St. Anne Catholic Church. After graduation, he entered the Army, completed his enlistment and was honorably discharged. After his service in the Military, he returned to Alpena where he settled and married the love of his life Irene Habermehl on June 9, 1951, and quickly started their family. He worked at Huron Portland Cement in various positions but settled in the sheet metal shop fabricating and designing equipment for all areas of the plant. His talents ran deep, from the beautiful grandfather clocks that he made for each of the kids, to refinishing the numerous boats, all named “Good Night Irene” to his passion of sailboats, boat motors and his passion of boat racing that he passed to his son Craig who now races his boat carrying on his dad’s original Top 0 Michigan racing number.

He spent hours on the lakes in the Alpena area racing hydro planes, as well as teaching the kids to swim, ski and fish. Irene was afraid of the water, so to share his passion with her, he would motor his sailboat into Thunder Bay on a calm night so that they could watch the sun set and the moon rise, just as his love for her. He was active in the City Rifle league, shot skeet at the Sportsmen’s Club, served his parish as an usher and homebound Eucharistic minister. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Various Spitzer leagues, served as a Boy Scout leader and made many memories with his son in the troop that he led. His many talents and zest for life has been passed to his children through his artistic and creative skills.

He was affectionately called “Cobber Bob” by the ones who loved him for the many creative “fixes” .. from squirrel guards to boat motors. He was a colorful personality full of life and shenanigans, eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. Dining room table conversations often lead to him illustrating thoughts and plans on a dinner napkin.

Survived by the love of his life wife of 69 years Irene. Children Bonnie (Phil) Verslype of Holland, Jeanine Rouleau (Dale) Petoskey, Craig (Kim) of Indian River, Grace (Steve) Alpena, Jackie (Bill) of Granger, Indiana. Six grandchildren, Gina, Kristen, Cody, Joe, Amber, Christina. Ten great-grandchildren.

Bob was known and loved by many, he never met a stranger. His passion for the great outdoors, fishing, hunting, hunting trips west, a great game of cards, the camaraderie of the hunting and fishing camps. His second family in Canada. He loved the simple things of life, the sound of an Elk bugle on a crisp fall morning, the rising of a feeding fish on a trout stream and picking a rose from the heirloom rose bush in the back yard for his beloved Irene.

Family will receive friends at McWilliams Funeral Home on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 from 2 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 3 p.m. with Rev. Tyler Bischoff officiating. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, QDMA Youth hunting program, Hospice of Michigan or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be registered at www.mcwilliamsfh.com.