Edwin J. "Ed" Rousseau

Edwin Rousseau Obituary

EDWIN J. "ED" ROUSSEAU, 76, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at The Towne House Health Care Center, Fort Wayne. He was a Fort Wayne Civic Leader and Businessman. He was the son of Albert and Sarah (Cook) Rousseau and attended Bloom-ingdale Grade School where his father had also been a student. He graduated from North Side High School where he met his future wife and married on June 13, 1953. He attended IU Business School and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and served 18 months in Germany. He then joined his father and brother in their family business: Rousseau Bros. DeSoto Plymouth dealership on North Harrison where he began as general manager. In 1959, the business was sold to Poinsette Motors. He then formed his first real estate firm, Rousseau and Associates. Later he worked with Tom Heiny for several years and is now a partner of ReMax Results Realtors. During his real estate career, he was a partner in several other real estate firms as well. He began his political career in 1964 when he was elected to the City Council, where he served for eight years. He was a County Councilman for 14 years and a County Commissioner for 16 years, retiring in December of 2004. He was instrumental in the Memorial Coliseum Expansion Project and the Dahlman Road/Airport Expressway. He is best known for leading the County in procuring the GM plant thus earning the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Joe Kernan in December of 2004. A charter member of the Good Shepherd United Methodist church, he was a man with a strong Christian Faith. He loved and cherished his family, grandchildren and friends. He enjoyed IU sports, golf, hunting, cars, playing cards, boating and especially dancing with his wife. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn (Johnson) Rousseau of Fort Wayne; son, Mark E. (Lynne) Rousseau of Castle Rock, Colo.; daughters, Renee A. (Bill) Fishering of Fort Wayne, Denise R. (Mark) VanderHagen and Suzanne J. (Mike) Hausfeld, both of Huntertown; grandchildren, Michelle, Brett and Ryan Rousseau, Josh (Brenda), Joe (Liz) and Andrew Kearby, Lauren (Chris) Slyby, Mitchell, Nellie, Mya VanderHagen Tony, Allie, and Amy Hausfeld; stepgrand-child, Geoff Fishering; great-grandchildren, Brittany Breid-enstein, Anikah and Aubrey Kearby. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 4700 Vance Ave., with calling one hour prior to services. The Rev. Phillip R. Emerson officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the church. Preferred memorials are contributions to the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Heartland Hospice, 1315 Directors Row Suite 210 Fort Wayne, IN 46808 or the donor's choice. Interment in Highland Park Cemetery. To leave condolences go to www.mccombandsons.com

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Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Apr. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Rousseau

9 Entries

Gretchen Schneider

May 4, 2009

Suzanne and Family,

My prayers are constant with and for you on the loss of your Dad. I will remember him fondly, for his love for family, friends, and Fort Wayne and his strong faith that he shared with others. I am grateful for his legacy that he leaves with all of us, to care for one another each and every day. May memories of his life and legacy bring you comfort in the days to come. Know you are loved, and that he is free of pain and at peace. Please let me know how you are, my e-mail is: [email protected].

Leslie Bienz

May 3, 2009

Caring thoughts are with all you in this time of sadness. Mr. Rousseau was one of the nicest men to work with, he always had a hello and a smile, and sometimes a joke. He was a good man.
He made a huge difference in the development of Fort Wayne and Allen County because he cared about the quality of life of it's people.
My prayers go out to his family. May peace be with you.

Marvin and Anita Arnold

May 2, 2009

Marilyn and Family, we send our prayers to you.
Our times at Snider seem like only yesterday. Hold your memories close to your
heart.

Jerry & Harriet McDermott

April 30, 2009

Dear Rousseau Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We had the good fortune to work with Ed at Tom Heiny and Associates. Not only was Ed a great and ethical Realtor, he was one of the funniest and fun person to be around. He could always turn a bad time into something good.

Heartland Hospice

April 30, 2009

Our staff is thankful for the opportunity to assist in caring for Ed in his last days. We offer our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family at this difficult time.

Susan Adams

April 29, 2009

Marilyn and family,
So sorry to hear of Ed's passing and wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow.
I would like to say that all of us Adams' from Indian Village (Wes and MaDonna too) enjoyed being able to spend some great times together and to share those memories (caught on film).
Be strong and take care of each other and may God be with everyone of you through this sad time.
Remember the good times and enjoy the memories made with everyone that Ed touched with his great life.
Susan Adams
Tri Lakes

Greg McClain

April 28, 2009

I was honored many years ago to meet Ed during our general election campaign. Ed was always a gentleman, polite and respectful and always had an ear for the opposing view point. He was a great leader for this community and will be missed by all. My prayers go to his family during this most difficult time.

Freda Bertsch

April 28, 2009

Oh my,what a wonderful, Christian, carrying man Ed was. He not only talked the talk but also walked the walk.
My prayers and love go out to the entire family. Ed will be deeply missed. He believed in people and always encouraged me and showed the love of Jesus.
God bless you all.

Karen Hoemig Moussou

April 28, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rousseau family. Throughout their marriage, Ed and Marilyn have given a winning example of love, humor, and partnership; this has enriched my life. I am thankful for this example of enduring love and commitment. I appreciate Mr. Rousseau's devotion to God, family, and community. It is people like him that work to make the world a better place. Mostly, I appreciate his consistent love and support for my family. I will miss his banter and the smiles he brought my father. Blessings and comfort to you all.

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