Edmund "Hap" Rondeau

Edmund “Hap” Rondeau, 90, passed away peacefully and quietly on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at ManorCare. Rosemary, his wife of over 66 years was at his side. Hap, a lifelong resident of the Iron Mountain/Kingsford area, was born Aug. 21, 1926 in Iron Mountain, the son of the late Henry and Eva (Rousselle) Rondeau. He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1944, where he played guard for a winning IMHS basketball team. Immediately following graduation Hap entered the US Navy during WWII. While in the service, Hap was aboard the sub chaser 727, that was 1 of 3 ships sunk during the war by a typhoon. Nearly half of the men onboard died that day. He also served on the USS Starr and the USS Minneapolis. After discharge from the service, he enrolled at NMU and graduated with a degree in journalism. He then joined The Iron Mountain Daily News and began in the sports editorial department and ended his career, nearly 50 years later, as Managing Editor. He married Rosemary Walsh in 1951 and had 4 children, Jodi (Ivan) Malnar of Rapid River, MI., Mary (Mark) Pacchini of Long Grove, IL., Dohn (Nida) Rondeau of Marysville, WA., and Jane (Tim) Ista, Brooklyn Park, MN. Edmund and Rosemary have 6 grandchildren, Benji, Jesse, Cole, Katrina, Sabrina and Athena and 7 great grandchildren, Leilani, AJ, Sean, Bodhi, Eva, Jada and Maya. He was preceded death by his sisters Yvonne LeMay, Margaret Schank, and Alma Nadon. Hap was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace church of Kingsford. He ushered there for nearly 60 years. He also served as president of the Holy Name Society of the church when that organization was active. He belonged to the Big Brothers Association and The American Legion. Hap enjoyed going to the Mariucci camp every Sunday for many years. He and his buddies played bocce, cards, and enjoyed eating food prepared by Ernie Mariucci. Hap especially enjoyed attending local football games for both the Iron Mountain and Kingsford teams. He played baseball and bowled at the Recreation Lanes for many years. Hap loved animals especially his beloved cat, Kitty aka Tubby, depending on her weight situation. He made friends with the birds and squirrels each summer while enjoying the weather in his yard, of course, there was a little treat waiting for them if they stopped by for a visit. Hap was best known for his smile and his funny nature. Hap, which is short for happy, always made people laugh with a joke or two, and will always be remembered for his kindness and treating everyone he met with respect. He was one-of-a-kind. A wonderful husband and dad to his children, he will be missed and thought of everyday. A memorial service for Hap will be at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford, on Friday, August 4 at 11 am. Father Michael Woempner will celebrate the mass. All who knew him are welcomed to attend. A luncheon following the service will be held at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church as well. Condolences to the family of Edmund “Hap” Rondeau may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Edmund "Hap" Rondeau

August 21, 1926 - March 19, 2017