Frank L. Rousseau “Grampa”, a longtime resident of Canyon Ferry, passed away from a massive stroke suffered on June 13, 2013, just shy of his 93rd birthday.
Frank was born to Joseph Rousseau and Mary Boucheau Rousseau on June 18, 1920 in Seattle. The family later moved to South Dakota where he spent his childhood.
Frank began serving in the US Army July of 1941. He was an Army infantry rifleman and earned the nick name of “Hawkeye” serving with Company “F” 27th Infantry 25th Division. Frank’s living quarters were at Schofield Barracks, Oahu in Hawaii on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. He remained stationed there for 60 to 90 days. His outfit later shipped out of Hawaii participating in the Battles of Guadalcanal, New Britain, New Caledonia and Northern Luzon in the Philippines. Frank was honorably discharged in July of 1945.
After the war, Frank’s adventurous spirit took him all over Montana, Idaho, and Washington. During his travels, he worked various jobs, created long lasting friendships and had a “Great” time along the way. He eventually settled in Montana working in the mines in Butte and as a ranch hand in several parts of the state. He loved all aspects of the ranch work except “salting hides” which he considered to the worst job he ever had.
Frank also enjoyed mining often spending months at a time, before having to come back to town for more supplies. One of his favorite mining experiences was time spent with his dad up in Skelly Creek.
Frank ultimately settled in Helena where he became a dry waller until his retirement. He learned this trade from Dick Wolstein, his longtime friend and employer.
Frank’s interests included reading, fishing, camping playing cribbage, enjoying a good game of pool, and gardening. He made the best salsa around- not letting anyone have his “secret recipe”, and his hot pickled beets were always a favorite.
He also enjoyed going to his favorite watering hole, The Glass Slipper, where he shared many happy times and visited with friends Joe Glass, Hi-Pole, Al Atwood and many others.
Frank is survived by his daughter, Willow George, of Shell Wyoming; sister, Gloria Brooks of Charlotte, North Carolina; brother Chet Furhman of Glendive, Montana; grandson, Andre’ Randall of Helena, MT, great grandchild, Naytha Raggedrobe of Helena; other survivors include a niece Linda Ramirez of Charlotte, N.C.; cousins, Susan (Sonny) Sobrepena and family of Townsend, MT; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in South Dakota. He was “Grampa” to many especially the family of Bill and Joan George. He is also survived by numerous friends at Canyon Ferry who were like family to him.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary Rousseau; brothers William, Joe, and Paul; sisters Tanna, Jewel, and Frances; son Franklin and his daughter Patty; good friends, Bill George, Vic Wells, Joe Glass, Bob Glass, Al Atwood, Hi-Pole Olson.
We were blessed in knowing Grampa and will always cherish the good times we had with him. We will forever Love and miss him.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3:45 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2013 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank’s name are suggested to the Montana Military Museum; P.O. Box 125 Fort Harrison, Montana 59636-0125, or to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
3:45 .m.
Friday June 28, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, MT
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
3:45 .m.
Friday June 28, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, MT
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Nancy Hanley Foecke says
God speed, my friend!
May you find a big dog pond, cold beer and a fertile garden.
Missing you from here~
Love to your loved ones
arah hatzenbuehler says
fay pocha and i were 18 and we kidnapped uncle frankie up to sealy lake he had the ride of his lifetime so many memories i cant even begin i will miss you
Fay Pocha Prescott says
He is up there with 92 fifths on the wall.
Love to family & loved ones
Bret & Evelynne Brewster says
We only knew Frank for a few years,and only know him as the quiet, generous, family loving and helping man he was. My admiration for him extended far beyond his service in WWII, and will be missed dearly by us. Happy Trails Frank, We Love You
Bret and Evelynne
Alice Burtch says
Uncle Rusocks, we will miss you. You are with Dad, Mom and Christina. Take care and we will all be together someday. So many memories and stories. You watcher over so many children in your life way to many to count. We were all very blessed to have you in our lives.
Love to you.
Alice May and LaVonne
Fred and Judy Bakke says
To Frank we say, God Bless You, It has been a pleasure to know you and to listen to all the great stories of you life. You will be missed , but never forgotten. To Frank’s family we say, May God help through these sad times.
rosie kroll & family says
we lost a very dear friend, whom we knew manyyears and had a lot of good times with and enjoined many happy years with. he was always part of our family and will always be in our thoughts. god bless you Frankie,and so long friend.
Mystery Bonacci says
Though I didn’t know you, I know my dad, your nephew, Raymond Kroll loved you very much. God will bless you.
Cheryl Maxwell Randall says
I have been searching for Frankie several years now. He was a relative of my mother. I have a professional photo taken of him & my mother when he was young & my mom a young teenager that I would like to share. Hope a family member is able to read this.