Obituary of Jerome Rouleau

Jerome (Jerry) Theodore Rouleau died peacefully at home in Duluth on Thursday, July 25, 2019. He was born July 19, 1939 to Jerome & Eileen (Parantala) Rouleau of Duluth, MN.

Jerry graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1957. He enlisted in the Minnesota Air National Guard upon completion of high school and served a distinguished 38 year career with the Duluth 148th Fighter Wing. He retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, having received numerous recognitions and awards, locally and nationally. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, the Air Force Sergeants Association, Disabled American Veterans Association (Life & Charter member) and the Enlisted Association. He faithfully served with the Duluth Honor Guard for the past 10 years and was a committed advocate for fellow service members, having served as a Guardian for Northland Honor Flights.

He married Patricia Helen Ellingsen on February 25, 1961 and they raised five daughters in Duluth, their lifelong home. He and Pat volunteered for the Duluth Playhouse and were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Jerry served as a Session member. He was involved with the Northland Alzheimers Support and Dementia Friendly Duluth programs.  Jerry enjoyed the outdoors and taught his family to enjoy the same. He coached youth softball, was a member of the Piedmont Ski Club and Duluth Police Volunteer Snowmobile Patrol. He enjoyed playing cribbage and participated in bowling leagues and many other civic organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, of 58 years, and 5 daughters: Julie (Brad) Collander, Louanne (Phillip) Kaupa, Peggy Rouleau (Jeffrey Kaufmann), Gwen Rouleau (John Zieska), Holly Rouleau; sister, Mary Jo (Steven) Robak, brother-in-law Robert Ellingsen (Joyce), 10 grandchildren: Cody Collander, Heather (Steve) Lind, Kristina, Jonathon and Daniel Kaupa, Abbey, Alice and Anna Zieska, Morgann and Casey McCarthy and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rodney, and his sister JoAnn Heffler-Wright.

Visitation and services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Avenue in Duluth, MN. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, and 1 hour before the service. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 5. Full military honors will be given at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth (4777 US Hwy 53, 55779) following the service, at approximately 3:00 p.m.