Oliver J. Rosseau
April 27, 2016Share using:
Hancock: Oliver J. Rosseau, 91, former Hancock High School principal and teacher, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility.
He was born in Iron River on January 31, 1925 to the late Emil and Teresa (Howard) Rosseau. He graduated from Iron River High School in 1942 and then briefly worked in the local iron mines.
Oliver served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 304th Signal Operations Battalion from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed in Japan and the Philippines, earning numerous awards including the Good Conduct Medal and two bronze stars.
He attended St. Louis University for a time where he studied math and engineering. He later received a Bachelor of Science Degree form Northern Michigan University in 1953, and a Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan in Secondary Education in 1960.
Oliver was a member of the Church of the Resurrection of Hancock, and a life member of the Alfred Erickson Post #186 American Legion of Hancock, where he served as past commander and was dedicated to the post throughout his adult lifetime.
On June 25, 1949 he married the love of his life, Virginia Magaraggia in Iron River. She preceded him in death three weeks ago on April 5, 2016.
Mr. Rosseau first taught in the Pembine, Wisconsin schools before coming to Hancock where he taught mathematics and wood shop. He became high school principal in 1967 until his retirement in 1987.
He enjoyed sports, being an avid baseball player and fan. He also enjoyed watching football and other sports including the Tigers, Red Wings, and Packers. He was a former Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader in Hancock. Oliver was extremely proud of his family, country, and community.
Besides his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, James Letto.
He is survived by his children, Linda Letto of Hancock, William (Lisa) Rosseau of L'Anse, Nancy Rosseau of Perry, Utah, and JoAnn (Patrick) Rouleau of Hancock; his loving grandchildren Jimmy O., Lauren, Billy (Alison), Jeff (Kristin), Daniel (Stacy), and Olivia; great-grandchildren Curtis, Olletta, Nell, Evyn, Jackson, Kennedy, Hayden, and Annalise; brothers Howard (Ann) Rosseau of Iron River and William (Diana) Rosseau of Colorado; a sister Katherine Bortolameolli of Caspian; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends and former students.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at the Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Fr. William Ssozi to officiate. Burial for both Oliver and Virginia Rosseau will be held on Friday at the Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock where military rites will be conducted.
Friends may call at the O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock on Monday from 4 until 6 P.M.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Hancock Public Schools Foundation, 501 Campus Dr., Hancock, MI 49930 in the name of Oliver Rosseau.
The family would like to thank the staff on second floor of the Houghton County Medical Care Facility for their kind and compassionate care.
The O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.