Michael D. Roessler

Mr. Michael DuWayne Roessler, a lifetime resident of Alexandria, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. A graduate of Bolton High School, he attended LSU-A and Louisiana College.

Memorial visitation for Michael will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Gallagher Funeral Home from 11:00-100 pm.

Michael was a hard worker. Beginning at age 5, he delivered newspapers in his neighborhood. From then on, he did odd jobs like cutting grass and other yard work. In high school, he worked in the lunchroom, assisted in the chemistry lab, ran the movie projector for teachers, and raised the flag every day. During summers he worked cutting grass and doing repairs at the three drive-inn theaters. During college, he hitchhiked from LSU-A and back most days to work at a fast-food restaurant between classes. After his marriage to Pamela, he worked 3 jobs, the US Forest Service, a department store, and a service station. He worked 7 days a week. Most of the time he had no vehicle and walked everywhere. He also worked extra time at the Forest Service so that he could attend various classes at Louisiana College. He kept this rigorous schedule for three years until Pamela finished school and gained employment.

On 6/3/2000, he retired from the US Forest Service after 38 years as a Physical Science Technician. While working for the Forest Service, Michael was involved in many research projects resulting in increased marketing of the South. The research was published in textbooks, including utilization of Hardwood Growing on Southern Pine Sites and Utilization of Southern Pine and Manufacturing Practices in the United States. His photographs were also used as covers on the magazines of Forest Products Journal and Southern Lumberman. During his forest service career, he received 6 certificates of merit, a certificate of achievement, and an excellence award from the US Department of Agriculture.

After 28 years of service as a Training NCO, Michael retired from the Army Reserves on 4/4/1995. He particularly enjoyed working with young recruits during their basic training. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal as well as the Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Army Reserve Components Achievement, National Defense Service and Armed Forces Reserve Medals. He also received the NCO Professional Development and Army Service Ribbons.

Being very involved in hunting and fishing, Michael belonged to the CENLA Bass Masters during the 1970's and was District 3 VP of the Association of Louisiana Clubs. He was a previous member of the Bolton Avenue Lions Club, holding the office of Tail Twister, and he continued to support their program at the Crippled Children's Camp. He was a life member of the Louisiana League for Crippled Children. He was also a member of the 40/8, having held offices of Medicine and Chef de Gar. He was also a lifetime member of AMVETS Post #7.

Besides fishing and hunting, Michael enjoyed snow skiing, riding four wheelers and traveling. He and his wife traveled through and or visited the 48 contiguous states. He hunted in Colorado and fished in Washington, Texas, Mexico and for many years from his camp at Toledo Bend.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, George LaVerne Roessler, Sr. and Virginia Jones Roessler; his wife of 52 years, Pamela; and his daughter, Christine.

He is survived by his brother, George Roessler, Jr.; sister, Margarette Anny Guynes (Harley); and a host nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.