Robert J. Theriault, Sr.

Robert J. “Jack” Theriault, Sr. died peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, September 5, 2015, just one day prior to his 90^th birthday, after suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease for several years.

He was born on September 6, 1925 in Marquette, MI and was the son of the late Albert Joseph and Louise Marie (Ruthier) Theriault. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Sault Ste. Marie, MI where he was raised for the remaining younger years of his life. He was a 1943 graduate of Sault Ste. Marie Public High School.

In September, 1943, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Hospital Corp. School at Bainbridge, MD as a Pharmacist Mate 3/C. After further training at various naval hospitals, in 1944 he was transferred to the U.S. Marine Medical Training Center at Camp Pendleton, CA. Upon additional training, he was transferred overseas and served with the 6^th Marine Division in the field during the Okinawa campaign. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in May of 1946 as Pharmacist Mate 2. He proudly received the American Area Ribbon, the World War II Victory Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, with one bronze star, and the 6^th Marine Division Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.

On April 7, 1947 in Ypsilanti, MI, he married the love of his life, Doreen Marie Deakin. Their union was blessed with four children, Bob, Ann Marie, Mary, and Alison. They resided together in Kenosha from 1956 until the present.

In 1950, Jack received his Bachelor’s Degree with a Chemistry Major from Eastern Michigan University and was awarded the Bert W. Peet Chemistry Award. In 1952, he received his Master’s Degree in Bacteriology from the University of Michigan. Shortly thereafter, Jack began his career at Abbott Laboratories in Microbiological Research. During his career that expanded over 35 years, he specialized in the Microbial Transformation of Organic Compounds and was also involved in the new Antibiotic Research Program for a number of years. Jack retired from Abbott Laboratories in 1987.

In 1964, he was awarded the Abbott Laboratories Scientific Achievement Award. He was a member of the Chapter of Scientific Society of the Sigma Xi at the University of Michigan. He was also a member of the Beta Chapter of the Phi Sigma Biological Society. In addition, he was a Certified Microbiologist with the National Registry of Microbiologists (American Academy of Microbiology, Inc.) in the fields of Agricultural Industrial Microbiology and Pathogenic Bacteriology.

Jack was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Following his retirement, Jack and his wife, Doreen volunteered at St. Catherine’s Hospital for several years. In addition, he enjoyed playing Bridge with Doreen and friends, golfing, listening to music, watching the Green Bay Packers, walking and reading. Together, they enjoyed spending many winters in Florida and while back home in Kenosha, spending wonderful times with their children and grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Doreen; his children, Bob (Pat) Theriault, Ann Marie (Ken) Yorgensen, Mary (Pete) Wasilevich, and Alison (Marv) Jenkins, and his brother, Paul (Donna) Theriault. He is further survived by 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Albert (Ruth) Theriault.

Jack’s family would like to thank the caring team of aides, nurses and staff members at Casa del Mar, Community Care, and Hospice Alliance for their efforts, care, dedication and love for Jack. Their gentle skills and kindness will never be forgotten!