John Thomas DeRochey

John T. DeRochey, passed away at the age of 67, in his home on May 11th, 2017, surrounded by loved ones. John was born on December 22, 1949 in Manistique, MI.

John met the love of his life Jo, while in high school in Sault St. Marie, MI. John was an exceptional student, while Jo was the “trouble maker.” They naturally hit it off. In 1967 John joined the army and served during the Vietnam War. In 1971, John and Jo were married and started their lives together in Muskegon, MI. They moved to Holland in 1978 and raised three daughters.

John worked at the Holland BPW as an Electrician and eventually became the Electrical Inspector for the City of Holland before retiring in 2015.

John enjoyed his “Tuesday nights”, fishing (especially the Muskegon, Pier Marquette and the White Rivers) with his brothers, friends and spending time exploring the U.P. John was a loyal Detroit Lions fan and enjoyed watching Red Wings hockey. He loved playing with his grandkids; riding bikes, stuffed animal play, taking nature walks, making pancakes during sleep overs, playing basketball, wagon rides around the neighborhood, dance parties, fishing and watching cartoons.

John is survived by his wife Jo, daughters; Amy (Chris) DeRochey-Herrell, Erin DeRochey, Darcy DeRochey and grandchildren; Andrew DeRochey-Hinde, Lilly Pelon, Ethan Pelon, and Maddie DeRochey-Herrell. Siblings; Neil DeRochey, Desty (Geralyn) DeRochey, Darcy (Mark) Cunningham, Steven (Leslie) Salter, Tammie (Tricia) DeRochey, Rocke (Pam) DeRochey, Butch Salter, Ken (Kathy) Farris, Bob Farris, Eddie DeRochey and Duane DeRochey. Many much loved nieces, nephews, as well as many dear family friends; Bill S., Hank & Linda, Jim & Marcia, Kelly P., Nancy & JC and Bob & Shar.

John was proceeded in death by his parents; Jean and Vivan Farris, Corrine Funnel, and Neil DeRochey. His brother (and partner in crime) Keith Salter, and grandson Ian Pelon, who sadly passed before getting to experience life.

John was a loving husband, dad, and grandfather. His family was everything to him and he was everything to his family. His four grandchildren brought him lots of joy. He will be sorely missed for his kind heart, sharp wit, snarkiness, stories, laid-back attitude, playful nature and incredible sense of humor.

A funeral Ceremony to honor John's life will take place Saturday, May 20, at the Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel 188 West 32nd St., Holland, at 11:00 A.M. A public visitation will be held one hour prior to the ceremony at 10:00A.M. at the Mulder Chapel. For more information or to sign a online register book please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made to: Hospice of Holland. 270 Hoover Blvd

Holland, MI 49423