William Edward Roussey Jr., 91, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather was welcomed into Heaven Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held Monday, November 20, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Assumption Church in Bronson with Rev. Fr. Dan Hyman officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bronson.
The family will receive guests for visitation Monday, November 20, 2023 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson.
William “Bill” was born July 21, 1932 in Santa Anna, Texas to William and Mallie (Martin) Roussey. He grew up in Brownwood, Texas with his older sister Theresa (Robertson) and younger sister Mary (Katsma).
Bill left Texas in 1951 to serve his country in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee. He served during the Korean War. While stationed in Guam and Kwajalein, he built housing for the islanders. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and went to work for his uncle Ray Roussey. Through work and family, Bill found himself in Michigan where he met Barbara (Ross).
Bill and Barbara married May 13, 1961 at St. Mary’s in Bronson, Michigan. They were active parishioners for over 50 years. Bill was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered his time and talent to help the food pantry and Meals on Wheels. Bill also helped build St. Mary’s school and preformed maintenance jobs at the church.
Bill and Barbara raised five children: Tim Roussey of Bronson, Felicite Schroeder of Mattawan, Andrew (Kim) Roussey of Fort Wayne, IN, Kenneth (deceased) and Venissa (Mark) Thrall of Plainwell. Bill has 9 grandchildren and met his first great grandchild three months ago.
Bill worked diligently to provide for his family. He kept a small beef cattle farm until his retirement years. Meanwhile, he worked as a finish carpenter and foreman for Schweitzer Construction in Battle Creek, MI. He worked at the Kellogg Corporation Headquarters overseeing work being done as a foreman. Bill and Barbara spent their retirement years traveling in an RV, hosting family events, and enjoying each other.
After Barbara’s passing, Bill moved to Kalamazoo and later to Fort Wayne, IN to an assisted living facility. He enjoyed attending mass with his family and sharing Sunday dinners afterward. He found great peace praying the rosary and spending time with family. Bill was gregarious and quick to tell a joke; loved by many. Bill’s mark on his family will continue for generations.
In addition to his beloved wife Barbara and son Kenneth, Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Theresa Robertson and Mary Katsma.
Memorial donations are suggested to the American Red Cross or Susan G. Komen Foundation.
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