Community remembers Rhinelander’s showman

In the days since news broke that local business owner George Rouman, president of the Rouman Amusement Company and owner of the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe, had died in a car accident in Lincoln County on June 9, individuals and organizations across the greater Rhinelander area have been sharing their memories and expressing gratitude for his considerable contributions to the community.

Even a cursory review of the statements, anecdotes, photos and videos posted on social media over the last 10 days leaves one with an absolutely clear conclusion — Rouman left an indelible mark on his hometown and there are many who will ensure his legacy of boundless enthusiasm and community spirit lives on.

Rouman’s employees at the Fun Factory compiled photos and posted a video on YouTube as a way to express their thanks for the support and mentorship they received from their boss.

“George had many passions, but one stood out amongst the rest when it came to his staff!” their post reads. “He saw leadership in people no matter how young and he helped them develop that. He was always there for advice even once they graduated and left town. He was a great mentor for so many. It will truly be hard to find anyone like him. We miss you George! Thank you for giving us all a chance!”

Nicolet College President Kate Ferrel also released a statement.

“On behalf of the Nicolet College community, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to the Rouman family in the death of their cherished loved one, George,” she said. “Whether it was the numerous interns you took under your wing or in the way you authentically led the Business Advisory Committee, you have been a friend and partner to Nicolet College in countless ways. You selflessly and candidly shared your firsthand business and entrepreneurial insight with our instructional staff who imparted this wisdom through their curriculum and in the classroom. George — you lit up any space you occupied with positivity, enthusiasm, creativity, and passion. Your spirit will live eternally because of the many ways you supported our mission of transforming lives.”

“It’s been a very difficult week for Rhinelander as we attempt to process the loss of George Rouman,” the Hodag Schools Foundation shared. “Please keep the Rouman family in your thoughts and feel free to share your memories of George.”

“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of George Rouman, a cherished friend and partner in our community,” Ripco Credit Union posted on its Facebook page. “George’s contributions through the Rouman Theater have left an indelible mark on all of us at RIPCO Credit Union and the entire community of Rhinelander. Over the years, RIPCO Credit Union has been privileged to collaborate with George and the Rouman Theater on numerous events that have enriched our community and brought us closer together. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the vibrant cultural fabric of our community. Rest in peace, George Rouman.”

Rep. Rob Swearingen remembered working with Rouman on dinner and a movie promotions during the many years he was operating the Al-Gen Dinner Club.

“Rhinelander and the Northwoods are mourning the loss of a friend and a genuine member of the community this week,” Swearingen wrote on Facebook. “George Rouman was both an entrepreneur and a young business professional. You could count on him to be the first to help with any cause. He was always full of enthusiasm, and I used to enjoy working with him on holiday ‘dinner & a movie’ promotions when I was in the restaurant business. George was passionate about his industry. In recent years, he would visit me in my Madison office in his role as President of the National Association of Theatre Owners of WI & UP. He would fill me in on the motion picture industry as well as what he and his members were faced with as owner/operators, often suggesting legislative ideas that could help. After our meeting, the conversation would always turn to Rhinelander, family, and friends. Whether it was the Rouman Cinema, Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe, catering Gelato, or NATO of WI & UP, George left his mark and will be missed by all who knew him.”

Rouman’s peers in the motion picture industry also paid tribute.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of beloved industry member, George Rouman,” the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation expressed on its Facebook page. 

“His passion for life, infectious smile, and love of the movie industry will be remembered by all. We are grateful for his generous spirit and for his years of dedication to our industry’s charities, including the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.”

The Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce also offered its condolences.

“We share in the deep sadness that the Rhinelander community is feeling,” chamber officials said. “George was a cherished friend, esteemed community partner and long-time Chamber Member. George will be tremendously missed by the entire community. Our sincere condolences are with the Rouman family.”

Numerous other messages of condolences and support were left on the Rouman Amusement Company’s Facebook page. Those messages included memories of watching George as he grew up and learned the cinema business at his father’s side as well as memories of special evenings spent at the State Theater or Rouman Cinema. 

Perhaps the most fitting tribute was created by some of Rouman’s employees at the Fun Factory. It is an image of Rouman standing behind his gelato cart, smiling broadly. It reads, “This isn’t goodbye, it’s just an intermission.”

In addition to the social media outpouring, a public visitation was also held Thursday afternoon at Rouman Cinema to allow the public to reflect on Rouman’s life and support his family.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].