Gary Lee Derke

Gary Lee Derke, age 67 died October 13, 2017.  Gary was the son Alvin & Tillie Derke, born in Lansing, MI on April 19, 1950.  He graduated from Bath High School in 1968 and attended Lansing Community College.  He was drafted and served in the US Army, lucky to have served his time in Germany when the Vietnam war was in full force and was honorably discharged.  After returning home from the Army, he was employed by the MI Highway Department.  He accepted a transfer to the Upper Pennisula-White Pine- and became a true Yooper.  Gary completed his employment with the Ontonagon County Road Commission where he retired in April 2010.

While in the Upper Pennisula, Gary found the love of his life, Maryam Razmus in White Pine.  They were united in marriage on June 16, 1979 where the Konteka saw the biggest reception they have ever seen.  Gary and Maryam were proud owners of the Konteka and Candelight.  They built their dream house on Lake Superior and raised two sons, Matthew and Benjamin.  After the birth of their children, Maryam was reintroduced with her first born Stacy.  Gary accepted her as his own child and she became part of their family.

Gary loved his family, nature, fishing and lying in his hammock and feeling that this was heaven on the shores of Lake Superior.  He will be remembered as a quiet, compassionate and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.  Surviving are 2 sons Matt (Jennifer) and Ben (Chelsea), a daughter Stacy (Rich), 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 2 sisters Janet and Shirley, a brother Donald and many cousins, nieces & nephew and wonderful friends.

Visitation will take place Friday, October 20, 2017 from 12 noon until 1:00 PM.  A funeral service will be at 1:00 PM at the Cane Funeral Home, Ontonagon Chapel. Pastor Ted Trudgeon will officiate.

The Cane Funeral Home of Ontonagon is assisting the family with arrangements.

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