PAUL C. DEROCHA

Paul Curtis “Duck” Derocha, 65, of Ishpeming, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022 at Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming.

Duck was born on May 11, 1957 in Ishpeming, a son of the late William and Clementine (Revedo) Derocha and was a lifelong U.P. resident.  He was a 1975 graduate of Ishpeming High School and then attended Michigan Tech University. 

Duck worked in the family restaurant business for many years.  He later moved to Pelkie where he was employed by Michigan State Department of Corrections in their food service department until he was injured there.  His passion was Belgium horses and farm animals.  At one time he owned 20 milking cows. 

Duck also was a member of Marquette County Search and Rescue and was part of the original R52/131 accident extrication team, a position he held for many years with the Marquette County Sheriff’s office.  He was an EMT specialist and in 1982 received an outstanding achievement award for his leadership and dedication to the Marquette County Search and Rescue Unit. 

Duck is survived by a sister, Mary Catherine Derocha of Apache Junction, AZ; two brothers, Roger (Carrie) Derocha of Lake Geneva, WI and Joseph Derocha of Champion; also several nieces and nephews.  Preceding him in death besides his parents was a brother, Michael Derocha.

Visitation will take place on Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 4 p.m. with Rev. Ryan Ford, pastor, officiating.  Spring burial will take place in the Champion Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be Roger Derocha, Joseph D. Derocha, William Derocha, and Joseph J. Derocha.

Canale & Pennock Funeral Service of Ishpeming is serving the Derocha family where memories of Duck may be shared at canalefuneral.com.

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