ST. JACQUES – Gerald T. Groleau, 89, of St. Jacques, passed away Monday, 17 February 2014, at the Jacobetti Home For Veterans in Marquette.
Gerald was born 7 August 1924, in St. Jacques, the son of Omer and Florestine (Sabourin) Groleau. He was raised in St. Jacques where he lived all of his life except for two years that he served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. Gerald was united in marriage to the former Inez Pomeroy on 17 May 1947, and they made their home in St. Jacques where they raised their four children. Inez preceded him in death on 17 May 2003.
Gerald worked for the Snowden Construction Company for 40 years from 1946 until his retirement in 1986. Upon his retirement he worked in the woods for many years. Gerald was a member of the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Nahma, Operator Engineers Local 324, Manistique Knights of Columbus Council 2026, and Rapid River American Legion Post 301.
Gerald’s hobbies included trapping, woods work, and hunting. During his retirement he enjoyed going to the casino and playing bingo.
Survivors include: children, Marshall (Valerie) Groleau of DePere, Wisconsin, David (Peggy) Groleau of Cooks, Michigan, Carl (Patty) Groleau of St. Jacques, Michigan, Jennifer (David) Hebert of St. Jacques, Michigan; brother, Wade (Marlene) Groleau of St. Jacques, Michigan; sisters, Rosalyn Plas of St. Jacques and Anita (Edward) Lamberg of Ensign; and sisters-in-law, Meryle Groleau of Nahma and Donella Groleau of Wisconsin; fifteen grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, eighteen great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
In addition to his parents and wife Inez, Gerald was preceded in death by brothers, Rudolph, Edward, Emil, Leo, Gary, Rosario; sisters, Irene Clement, Leila Moser, Rita LaBumbard, Loretta Pomeroy; and special friend, Lorayn Thorin.
Gerald’s family will receive friends on Friday, 21 February, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites conducted by the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 will follow at 6:30 p.m. Manistique Knights of Columbus Council 2026 will recite the Rosary following military rites. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the St. Andrew Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Brian Gerber and Rev. Fr. Mariusz Sierhart officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Nahma Hall.
Burial will be in the spring at the New Garden Cemetery. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com where you can express your sympathy to the Groleau family, or to leave a memory tribute about Gerald.
Adapted from Escanaba Daily Press, 19 Feb 2014