Robert E. "Bob" Rousseau, 88, of Perryville, peacefully passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Feb. 26, 1936, in Perryville to Frank and Henrietta (Klump) Rousseau.
Bob and Carol Faherty were married on Nov. 16, 1968, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville. She survives him in Perryville.
Bob was a 1954 graduate of St. Vincent's Seminary in Cape Girardeau and a SEMO graduate with a master's degree in education. He was a math teacher and school principal for a combined 45 years, dedicating his time and passion to his students and staff at St. Vincent Elementary. After his retirement in 2004, he did some substitute teaching in Perryville, Farmington, and Bloomsdale. He enjoyed traveling, reading, spending time on the family farm cutting and splitting wood for the wintertime, and especially spending time with his family. He loved watching the Cardinals play and rarely missed a game on TV. He also followed the Blues and enjoyed watching the Chiefs. He was a dedicated St. Vincent de Paul parishioner, where he was a lector and Eucharistic minister, a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1263 Degree & Holy Name Society. Bob was never a stranger to anyone and always enjoyed a conversation. He was remembered by many of his past students and faculty as he has graciously touched their lives with his kindness (and maybe a few flying chalkboard erasers). He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Survivors include two sons, Kevin R. (Diane) Rousseau of Herculaneum, Terry L. Rousseau of Perryville; daughter, Stacey R. (Randy) Thurman of St. Charles; sister, Dorothy (Ernest) Genco of Staten Island, NY; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Rellergert of Perryville; and five grandchildren, Sarah (RJ) Moses, Nolan Thurman, Mitchell Rousseau, Allison Rousseau and Kayla Rousseau.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Hubert, Lester, Merlin and Clyde Rousseau; and two sisters, Marie Rousseau and Helen Morgan.
Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, and from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.
The Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, with the Rev. Joe Geders C.M. officiating.
Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Schools or Masses.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
