Jerry D. Derouin

Jerry D. Derouin, age 80, of Escanaba, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on July 22, 1941 in Escanaba, the son of Harold and Jewell (Vanlerberghe) Derouin. Jerry was raised and attended school in Escanaba where he graduated from Escanaba High School in 1960. He married the former Judith A. Carlson on June 12, 1965 and together shared 57 years of marriage and raised 3 children, Dennis, Sally, and Wendy. Jerry started his work at a young age cutting pulp wood and then worked at OK Auto Parts as a machinist working on race car motors. He then took a position as a Heavy Diesel Mechanic at Clairmont Transfer Company until the doors closed in 1985. After the closing of Clairmont Transfer, he had no job with 3 small children to care for. Shortly after, Jerry and Tom Peterson started a new adventure and opened a garage known as Bay View Truck Service which he owned and operated until his retirement. Jerry always had a love of being a mechanic and fixing all sorts of things. He also loved the outdoors – hunting, fishing, going to camp, and spending time with family and friends. Jerry loved watching the grandkids in all of their sports, especially hockey and sprint car racing. He was a guy of not many words, but loved to pull pranks on people. He was a very kind and thoughtful person and never said anything negative about anyone. Jerry loves Fords, eating a good hamburger and fries, and his grandkids gave him much joy. Due to his Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia, it took a great toll on Jerry and he couldn’t do what he loved to do. But he never complained. In his younger years, Jerry spent 6 years in the US Army National Guard as a Rifle Combat Specialist and was involved in the Detroit Riot. He doesn’t have any medals, ribbons, or plaques, but his great character made him the best husband, father, and papa who is loved dearly!

Jerry is survived by his wife, Judith Derouin of Escanaba; children, Dennis (Tara) Derouin of Escanaba, Sally Labre of Escanaba, and Wendy (Chuck) Briggs of Gladstone; grandchildren, Allie and Abbie Derouin, Luke, Paige, and Brett Labre, and Brielle and Bailey Briggs; sister, Gaile Trygg of Milford, KS; sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen Derouin of Orlando, FL, Clay (Dory) Carlson of Cornell, Dave (Carol) Carlson of Escanaba, Caroline Iverson of Hyde, and Patricia Carlson of Cornell; son-in-law, Pat Labre; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Chum and Robert Derouin; in-laws, Carl and Cecelia Carlson; and sister and brothers-in-law, Ron Carlson, Bob Iverson, and Fred and Juanita Thompson.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 18, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jerry will follow at 5:00 p.m., Monday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial and Military Honors will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba. 

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