Noel E. Rousey

Noel was born in Corinth, Illinois on April 6, 1928, passing away peacefully at his home in Milwaukee on November 24, 2015 at the age of 87. Beloved son of Clyde Neal and Nellie (nee Ray) Rousey. Loving brother of Mary Ruth (Jerry) McArtor of Jacksonville, Illinois and the late Robert (the late Mary) Rousey of Winchester, Illinois. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Noel graduated from Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Music and then continued his education, receiving his Master's Degree from the University of Illinois. He began his long journey in the field of music, conducting his first choir at the Brooklyn Church in Jacksonville, Illinois in 1942 and conducting his first of many "Messiah" performances in 1945. He then served in the US Army during the Korean conflict as a Corporal and Chaplain's Assistant. His musical accomplishments since 1942 are too many to mention. Noel moved to Milwaukee and was employed as a Professor of piano at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee from 1955 until 1965. He served as Choirmaster at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Milwaukee for many years, "retiring" as Choirmaster at Christ Church, Whitefish Bay. Noel was an avid supporter of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. He enjoyed reading and practicing the piano every day that he was able. Visitation on Thursday, December 10, 2015 in the Community Room at SAINT PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 914 East Knapp Street, Milwaukee beginning at 5:30pm. A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of Noel Rousey will follow in the Church at 7pm. The Rev. Dr. C. Steven Teague will officiate. Private interment will be at Forest Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 1 East Wacker Drive Suite 2430, Chicago, IL 60601-1904 are deeply appreciated. Musician "O Divine Art"