Oliver Derocher

Oliver “Junior” DeRocher, 89, of Alpena, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at his home. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend that will be dearly missed. Junior was born on July 10, 1933 to the late Oliver and Roseanne (LaFave) DeRocher in Black River, Michigan. He was a graduate of the first class of Catholic Central High School in Alpena. He attended Michigan Tech University briefly until he was called to serve his country in the United States Army. He was the owner of DeRocher Masonry for many years until his retirement. On June 23, 1956, Junior married the love of his life, Kathleen Hammermeister at St. Gabriel Catholic Church.
Junior was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, lifetime member of the VFW, an active member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church for many years, including the Men’s Club, he was a volunteer firefighter for Alcona Township, and he was the president of the Shuffleboard League. There were many things that Junior enjoyed such as, music, dancing, cribbage, all sports, and he loved playing cards. He loved spending time with his family and it brought him great joy watching his grandchildren playing sports.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Kathleen, four children, Linda (Skip) Maccarone, Patti (Harold) Truman, Cindy DeRocher, and Jim (Connie) DeRocher, seven grandchildren, Dustin Delcorvo, Jillian (Sidd) Singh, Devin (Gabriella) Delcorvo, Paul (Kristie) Truman, Mark (JoeAnn) Truman, Chris and Allie DeRocher, seven great grandchildren, Halie and Brayden Truman, Hudson, Harper, and Landon Singh, Araceli, and Emma Truman, a sister, Isabelle Gauthier, brothers and sisters in law, Elaine (Jack) Pearcey, and Fred (Annette) Hammermeister.
Family will receive friends for visitation at Karpus Hunter & Ross Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard service at 7pm followed by a parish prayer service. Visiting will continue at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 10:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Black River. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to St. Gabriel Catholic Church or The Alpena Senior Center. Online condolences may be registered at www.karpushuntercares.com