Robert Henry "Bobbie" Rousseau

Robert "Bobbie" Henry Rousseau
Linwood, MI
Robert "Bobbie" Henry Rousseau passed away, surrounded by family, on March 3, 2023 at McLaren Bay Regional Hospital of a broken heart. Bob was born in Saginaw on October 19, 1942 to the late William Rousseau and Thelma (Gaudreau) Rousseau. He was a 1960 graduate of Saginaw High School and went on to attend DeVry College in Chicago, Il. where he received his electrical degree. Bob was hired at General Motors Grey Iron Foundry as an apprentice in 1962, and in 1966 became a journeyman electrician. He also worked at the GM Nodular Iron plant until its closing in 1988. In fact, Bob was the last electrician to leave Nodular. He "...shut off the lights" as he used to say. He finished the remainder of his career at the Grey Iron Foundry retiring in 2003. He was respected by all and shared his expertise with many apprentices and journeymen alike - earning him the nickname "Care Bear." Bob was a member of UAW local 668.
Bob and Sal started their family in Saginaw where they resided until they bought a house in Linwood on Saginaw Bay. After the kids moved out, he and Sal moved to Linwood where he could spend his days watching the bay out the window. Winds prevailing, the two of them could often be found on Saginaw Bay fishing. Hunting, fishing, and Michigan. Those were three of Bob's favorite things. For many years, he, along with his brother Bill and his closest friends, would go deer hunting on opening day or take annual trips to Munuscong Bay fishing. Another hobby of Bob's was spending time in his barn woodworking. His creations were highly sought after. His greatest love of all was his family; they always came first. From summer vacations in Tawas to dressing up as Winnie the Pooh to take the kids trick or treating, Bob was there for his girls. The love was extended with his grandchildren as he sat to watch every milestone event in their lives, too. Dance recitals, pompon events, all sporting events, and decorating cookies. High school and college graduations and eventually weddings. He enjoyed every moment of time spent with them.
Bob never met a stranger. His laugh was contagious and filled the room. He can also be remembered for his ability to hold a person's attention when telling a story or making them blush with his colorful language. People who knew him well knew not to call at 7 pm because Jeopardy was on. Bob personified hard-working, blue-collar America. True Blue until the end, both in politics and football.
He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Steven) Robb, of Midland, and Jeanette Rousseau, of Flint.
His grandchildren: Alexandria Elliott (Trent), Katarina DuMont (Nicholas Sears), Michael Robb, "adopted grandson", Jacob Coppy, and grand dogs Spartacus and Macy Rousseau. His sister; Michelle Dubrulle of Saginaw, sister-in-law, Virginia (Ginny) Rousseau of Harrison, and "daughter-in-law", Patricia DuMont of Adrian. Bob also leaves behind many family members and friends that he touched throughout his life including his step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Sally (Collison) Rousseau, daughter, Jodi (Rousseau) DuMont; his siblings, William Rousseau, Thomas Rousseau; sister-in-law, Suzanne Rousseau, son-in-law, Ralph DuMont, as well as a host of other family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Rivertown Funeral Home, in Kawkawlin with Dorla Talago presiding. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a service immediately following. Please feel free to wear bib overalls or your University of Michigan gear to celebrate Bob. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Bob Rousseau to Camp Fish Tales in Pinconning, Mi; campfishtales.org or call 989.879- 5199.