Michael Alan Rouffa

Born July 8, 1949, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, a son of Albert and Bertha (Bluestein) Rouffa, Mike attended Downers Grove North High School, and represented the school as a contestant on “It’s Academic,” a knowledge quiz show. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, and his Master of Social Work degree from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mike worked with the Court of Cook County Social Services as a domestic violence counselor. Later, he provided individual and family counseling services for a community mental health agency, and maintained a private practice. Mike’s greatest satisfaction as a psychotherapist was knowing when a client felt supported and understood, and experienced growth.

Mike met his wife Becky at a contra dance, where the two discovered their mutual love of the Northwoods. Mike was able to fulfill his wish to retire to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and enjoy the UP’s natural beauty. Mike got special pleasure from woodworking. His favorite creations were a cradle and race car bed.

An avid skier, he claimed to suffer from obsessive-compulsive cross country skiing disorder. He completed fourteen ski marathons, including ten American Birkebeiner races.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Patterson of West Branch Township; a son, Christopher Rouffa of Rockford, IL; his sister, Dotti (Neil Wolff) Keagy of Naples, FL; brother, Paul Rouffa (Joanne Tague Rouffa) of Naperville, IL; an uncle, Robert Rouffa; several nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, on Saturday, March 17, at 2:00 pm.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Wellness House (wellnesshouse.org)

The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.