Stuart DeRousie

Stuart J. DeRousie, age 91, formerly of Blissfield, died Friday, November 15, 2013.

A part of the “greatest generation”, he was born on July 15, 1922, in Detroit, lived through the Great Depression, graduated from Britton High School in 1940, served for three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps in India during World War II, and married Helia I. Juntunen DeRousie on April 6, 1946. in Detroit. Together, they raised three sons in Blissfield where he supported the community his entire life.

Stuart retired from the Blissfield Volunteer Fire Department in 1980 after 30 years of service, including 16 years as fire chief. After that, he was elected to a term as president of Blissfield in 1981. His whole career was in the auto industry, with the last several years as sales manager with Knapp Motors. Stuart and Helia were married for 67 years until her death on July 27, 2013. Many of their cherished memories were made at their cottage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Stuart is survived by his three sons, Charles (Patt) of Columbus, Ohio, Roy (Donna) of Washougal, Wash., and Richard (Norma) of Brooklyn, Mich.; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Aaron) Monnig, Jason (Rebecca), Kim, Martine (Justine) Horigan, and Kai; six great-grandchildren and nieces Christine (George) Richmond and Lisa Dieckmann. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother and sister in law (George and Annette DeRousie).

In accordance with Stuart’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In remembrance of Stuart, the family will receive family and friends on Sunday, November 24, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Blissfield Fire Department Community Room at 299 E. Adrian St., Blissfield. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blissfield Firefighters Association, 299 E. Adrian St., Blissfield, MI 49228 or to Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian, MI 49221. Envelopes will be available at the fire hall or at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home in Blissfield.