George Rouman

George Rouman, 51, was born to Michael Rouman and Evdokia (Manolakos) Rouman on July 3, 1972, in Rhinelander. 

He died on June 9, 2024 in a tragic car accident. 

George grew up working at the State Theater in Downtown Rhinelander with his father Michael, mother Evdokia, and sister Patti. He did everything from selling tickets and concessions to operating the projectors.

George graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1990, serving leadership positions for the senior class. He was cast in every play at RHS and two productions at Nicolet College in Rhinelander. He also participated in Forensics all four years.  

He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he began studying films and earned a degree in marketing. While at UW-Milwaukee, George was the school mascot for two seasons, challenging him to not talk while in character. Shortly after college, he worked for Great America in Gurnee, Ill. as a college recruiter. He traveled to job fairs and universities, talking to everybody who would listen about the opportunities at Great America. George loved the role of meeting people in new settings and was looking forward to doing international recruiting. The theater industry was changing then, and his family made a commitment to build a new cinema in Rhinelander in early 2000. George chose the family business and made the decision to return to Rhinelander. 

For over 30 years, he followed in his father’s footsteps and channeled his dedication and hospitality — working hard and rarely taking a day off. He appreciated the business his family had created and was always looking for ways to build on new ideas. He was at the forefront of modernizing and installing cutting-edge technologies to improve the moviegoer experience. Improving the concession options and experience was important to George. He would often call on his sister, Patti, for her thoughts and advice. George was the consummate showman by always thinking outside the box.  

In July 2005, he purchased the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe. He relied on his mother, Evdokia, for her advice on making chocolates and improving the customer experience. Christmas is an especially busy time for the Fun Factory as they ship gift boxes and chocolates across the country. 

 Several years ago, he brought his own idea to the table: a gelato catering business. The gelato catering quickly grew from a few local weddings to weekends packed with events across the state. He would travel around the state with his gelato carts providing specialty desserts at wedding receptions and special events. George was back doing what he fell in love with years ago- meeting new people, seeing new places, and sharing stories.  

Most people in Rhinelander knew George because he grew up here and was so involved in giving back to the community he loved. For over 20 years, George coordinated the donations and delivery of hundreds of Thanksgiving meals to families in need in Rhinelander and across Oneida County. He offered free summer movies, Christmas Day showings, Easter, New Year’s, and After-Prom parties for the community at the Cinema. He was actively involved in many organizations and committees that benefited the community, including the Nicolet College Foundation. George was always someone you could count on when you needed help with an event, a charitable donation, or advice. His positive attitude always shined through his personality.  

George was a natural leader and wanted to get involved in the motion picture industry. He served on the Advisory Board of the National Association of Theater Owners for over 20 years. He served on the regional association, NATO of WI & UP Board of Directors since 2002 and served as its President since 2016. He was loved and respected by leaders of exhibition, movie studios, and the vendor community. For nearly two decades, he served as Co-chairman for the regional movie theater convention held in Lake Geneva providing educational seminars, panel discussions, movie screenings and networking opportunities for other independent theater owners. Giving back was always top of mind in everything George did in life.  

In the early days of COVID, George organized video calls with members of the NATO of WI & UP to discuss ideas and ways to get through the pandemic. He was the very first regional leader to convince state lawmakers that movie theaters were the heart of many small towns across Wisconsin, and they would need financial assistance to stay afloat. The grant program he initiated was modeled across the country. The Board of Directors of NATO of WI & UP honored George at their annual convention in 2022 with the Save Our Screens Award for his tireless advocacy on their behalf. George’s leadership skills combined with his business acumen and experience were invaluable to the support he offered others in his community and across the nation. He was a mentor to so many and happily provided advice and knowledge. He was humble and never sought the limelight, but it always found him because of his selfless demeanor. 

George was an avid runner and loved to travel. He traveled around the world always looking for a great adventure. He visited family in Greece and explored Southeast Aisa with his sister. He climbed to the base camp of Mt. Everest. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed going to Brewers and Packers games, including the epic road trip to Super Bowl XXXI. He loved life and made the most of every day, spreading his optimistic attitude to family and friends. His passion for the motion picture industry, professionalism, and selfless leadership will be missed by so many. His legacy will live on for decades to come. 

He is survived by his mother Evdokia, his sister Patti, and his niece Mikaela. George always had a sparkle in his eye when he would talk about Mikaela. He was looking forward to many summers on the water with his niece.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Rouman.  

In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to learn about and consider a donation in his name to one of these charities serving the motion picture industry: 

Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation (https://wrpioneers.org/donate/tmcards/) 

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin (https://www.varietywi.org/#donate).

 A public visitation will take place on Thursday, June 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Rouman Cinema, 1205 Lincoln Street, Rhinelander, immediately followed by a private gathering for family and friends. 

There will be a private Interment at Forest Home Cemetery, Rhinelander.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343.