Hermine L. Rouker

CADILLAC, Mich. - Hermine L. Rouker, 95, passed away Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at Sunnyside Senior Living in Cadillac.

She was born April 24, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, to William H. and Clara (Adams) Kramer. She married Samuel Chovan on Aug. 5, 1939. They moved to Bessemer, Mich., in 1952. Sam was killed in a mining accident on Sept. 9, 1958. Hermine married Joseph Rouker on May 22, 1965, and Joe preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 1984.

Hermine worked as a dental assistant, soda fountain clerk and at Woolworth's in Cleveland. She was a clerk for Ben Franklin in Bessemer for many years, retiring in 1984.

Hermine will be remembered for being a courageous woman who experienced the death of her mother at age 8 and widowhood twice in her lifetime. She persevered, living independently in the Upper Peninsula into her late 80s. Hermine was a loving wife and nurturing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an excellent cook and baker and her family especially enjoyed her polvitica, poppy seed rolls, turkey dressing and apricot cookies. She loved classical music and Italian opera. She enjoyed sending care packages and helping her family whenever she could. She loved babies, dogs and was proud to be from the Upper Peninsula. Hermine had a strong faith and was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving on their Altar Guild for many years.

She is survived by her son, Donald (Carolyn) Chovan of Metamora, Ill .; her stepdaughter, Linda (James) Dishman of Cadillac; three granddaughters: Nicole Goodman, Rebecca Gangloff and Sarah (Josh) Sakash; five great grandchildren: Carrie, Alissa and Brittnie Goodman and Darien and Landon Gangloff as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husbands she was preceded in death by two brothers, William in 1941 and Paul in 1983, and her stepmother, Leolyn.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Cadillac, with Reverend Joes Hess officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyside Senior Living, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hospice of Michigan or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bessemer.

An online guestbook is available at petersonfh.com.