Rene John Robitaille, age 85 of Gladstone and Mission, Texas, died on February 24, 2010 at Doctors Hospital Resonance in Mission, Texas with his family at his side.
Rene was born on November 1, 1924 in Escanaba, Michigan, to Emil and Florence (Chenier) Robitaille. Rene graduated from Escanaba High School then entered the army, serving in WWII during the Battle of the Bulge. Shortly after returning home he owned and operated the Mobile Gas Station and Used Car Business in Gladstone. Rene was a loving husband and father who loved to bake bread and play cards and pool with his friends in Texas. He was involved with the Cursillo and Marriage Encounter movement for many years and lived in Wells and Stonington before retiring in 1982 and going south to Texas for the winters.
Rene is survived by his wife of 45 years, Loretta (Chouinard) of Gladstone and Mission, TX; Children Rick (Michele) Robitaille of Iron Mountain, MI Jerry Otradovec (Gail Santi) of Green Bay, WI, Rosie (Paul) King of Gwinn, Lorie (Mike) Anderson of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Michele (Kerry) Landfield of Austin, TX, Beth (Brian) Fuller of Marquette, MI and Mary Oliver of Green Bay, WI. He is also survived by one brother, John (Barbara) Robitaille of Escanaba, MI; sister-in-law, Beverly Robitaille of Escanaba, MI; 18 Grandchildren, 22 Great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Florence Robitaille, his brothers Russell, Ray, Clarence, Harold and Gerald.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, March 1 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock, MI. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6:00 PM at the church with Rev. Fr. Jose Maramattam officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow services in the Father Matt Hall. Rene will be laid to rest in the Escanaba Township Cemetery in the spring. Use the form below to leave the Robitaille family a message of condolence.
Anonymous
Dear Mrs. R, Beth and family,I was so sorry to hear of Rene’s death. I have many fond memories of time spent with your family when Beth and I were in high school. You and Rene were and still are a big part of those memories. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marietta Ehlers Johnson
Manitowoc, WI
Dear Loretta and Rosie,
I was sorry to read of Rene’s passing. I will always remember the pleasant greetings when Rene and Loretta would appear at Church or Cursillo gatherings. Remember all the good times spent together as family. God Bless You All!
Dorothy Lamberg Kollmann
Escanaba, MI
Dear Loretta & Family,
We were saddened to learn of Rene’s death and want you to know of our best wishes and prayers during this very difficult time. Distance will keep us from delivering this greeting to you personally, but, know it is in our hearts and we will be with you in spirit and thought. We have so many fond memories of working with the two of you at St. Charles in Rapid River. Warmest best wishs!
Deacon Bill and Chetti Green
Schofield, WI
My heart goes out to his six great grandchildren and their mother, Mindy. I know he will be extremely missed by them.
Duane Webber Jr. and Duane Webber Sr.
Escanaba, MI
Loretta,
Sorry to hear about Rene’s passing.
Mary (Sue’s sister)
Mary Richards
Waynesville, MO
Anonymous
Dear Mrs. R, Beth and family,I was so sorry to hear of Rene’s death. I have many fond memories of time spent with your family when Beth and I were in high school. You and Rene were and still are a big part of those memories. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marietta Ehlers Johnson
Manitowoc, WI
Dear Loretta and Rosie,
I was sorry to read of Rene’s passing. I will always remember the pleasant greetings when Rene and Loretta would appear at Church or Cursillo gatherings. Remember all the good times spent together as family. God Bless You All!
Dorothy Lamberg Kollmann
Escanaba, MI
Dear Loretta & Family,
We were saddened to learn of Rene’s death and want you to know of our best wishes and prayers during this very difficult time. Distance will keep us from delivering this greeting to you personally, but, know it is in our hearts and we will be with you in spirit and thought. We have so many fond memories of working with the two of you at St. Charles in Rapid River. Warmest best wishs!
Deacon Bill and Chetti Green
Schofield, WI
My heart goes out to his six great grandchildren and their mother, Mindy. I know he will be extremely missed by them.
Duane Webber Jr. and Duane Webber Sr.
Escanaba, MI
Loretta,
Sorry to hear about Rene’s passing.
Mary (Sue’s sister)
Mary Richards
Waynesville, MO