Rod Groleau

Resided in St. Jacques, MI
Died July 4, 2017

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.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 10 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 PM with Deacon Mike LeBeau. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, July 11 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Nahma with Fr. John Martignon officiating. Interment will follow in the Moss Lake Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the Nahma Township Hall following the burial.

11 Tributes for “Rod Groleau”

    Sorry for your loss. I worked with Rod at WTIQ years ago & he played for our wedding reception in 1973. He was a joy to work with & all around good guy. He will be missed.

    So sorry for your loss. My time playing in the “New Cut Road” Band with Rod, Warren and John were some of my best musical memories. I pray for peace for you all in the coming days. God Bless…

    What a voice! I saw Rod two weeks ago and we talked about playing music together back in the day. A good man. Gone but not forgotten. RIP buddy.

    Thoughts and Prayers to all of you. I remember so much fun and laughter we all shared together, oh the good ol’ days. May Ron Rest In Peace. He surely was a great person.

    I need to somehow let the family know how much my family and I loved Rod. I’m having a hard time thinking of the world without him. The measure of a man after he’s gone isn’t the wealth he leaves behind. But the Love he’s shared and given. He on my list of one of the best men I’ve known. Peace to the family, we are all so lucky to have known him. Love to you all.

    When a man is lucky enough to have such good friends in his life it is so hard to loose them. Rod promised, when we were young, to sing at my girls weddings. He sang at all three of them. I brought my new wife to Rod and Yvonne’s wedding. It was a Yooper party at the Nahma Clubhouse! Rest In Peace, dear friend. Love and great memories, Ivan and Tillie Nedeau

    Deacon Rod frequently celebrated Mass with Father John Martignon. His homilies always touched me. I began to consult Rod on spiritual matters and he always offered me a better understanding of my issues. I found Rod to have such practical wisdom and to be a patient and caring listener.
    I was always welcome to sing with the St. Andrew’s choir and to visit Yvonne and Rod’s home to visit, join the morning coffee sessions, and even have a faith formation session there for our teens.
    I have had the privilege of knowing a number of great guys in my life. Many, like Rod, have passed to the other side of eternity. My life has been so enriched by them. They will always remain with me and in my prayers.

    Dear Scott and family, you are in our thought and prayers during this difficult time. Your father was a wonderful man who will not soon be forgotten. We send love and hugs.
    Kayce and Gabe Gordon

    So sorry for your loss. I’m sorry I could not make the funeral. I really wanted to but was out of town. He was a very wonderful man with great spirits. He was always a joy to have as a patient when I had him. I will miss joking around with him. I am sure the angels already have him singing with them. rip ROD

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