Donald "Donny" J. Rocheleau

Donny Rocheleau, 81, died Friday, August 28th, 2026. He was born in Duluth, MN to Josephine (Murray) Rocheleau and Albert Rocheleau. In 1962, he married his childhood sweetheart Cheryl L. French, and they had 3 children together. Philip, Elizabeth Ann, and Dawn.

Donny and his young family lived in various locations starting from his birthplace in Duluth Minnesota, Southeastern & Central Wisconsin and Chicago areas. He started his long career in retail management at the Goldfine's Men's Department in Duluth MN. Through his grit, strong work ethic, tenacity, and engaging personality he soon became a manager for Groves Kelco / Nabors Drug Store Chain, then regional manager and ultimately became his own boss as a business owner of one of the drug stores in central Wisconsin. He continued with multiple occupations in both retail management and outside sales, and got his CDL for driving semi-truck. His favorite job was his last job when semi-retired, driving medical van for handicapped and underserved adults and children to their appointments and activities. It was there that his big personality shined in making people feel special and seen.

Donny loved to tell wildly entertaining, animated and embellished stories. This was his specialty! He also enjoyed playing cards, automobiles, fishing with his son Phil, watching Minnesota sports team's especially the Vikings. He loved spending time with his kids and granddaughters and extended family!!

Donny faced a lifetime of adversity yet found a way to find the positive in moving forward, pull himself up by his bootstraps and not let self-pity linger. He was generous to family and friends and certainly one of the most resilient people one could meet.

Donny is survived by his daughter, Dawn (Rick) Bancroft; granddaughters, Gracie and Ruby Bancroft; his cherished sister, Betty Connor; many special nieces, nephews, and friends he met along the way.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Rocheleau; son, Philip Rocheleau; grandson, Gabriel Burton Bancroft; ex-wife and lifelong friend, Cheryl French; brothers, Michael and Bert Rocheleau; and his best friend/brother in law, Jerry Connor.

Our family would like to thank the amazing staff and friends from Comforts of Home Advanced Assisted Living in Baldwin, Wisconsin. We would also like to thank the team of caregivers from St. Croix Hospice. Our cup "runneth" over in gratitude for all the special care, love, patience and kindness that he was shown.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, September 21st, 2026 at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater. Visitation 2:00-3:00 P.M., Celebration Service 3:00-4:00 P.M., Happy Hour + Appetizers to immediately follow. Please feel free to stop by for all or any part of the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in his memory.