Michael Joseph Derkos

Michael Joseph Derkos, age 87, of Escanaba passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

Mike was born April 1, 1931 in Escanaba, the son of Michael and Theresa (Kobasic) Derkos. He was raised in Escanaba and graduated from the Escanaba High School. He was united in marriage to Ruth Pearce on February 23, 1957 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Following high school he worked on the ore boats for seven years. Once off the boats he worked a short stint at the Harnischfeger Corporation before moving on to his life’s joy of working as an engineer for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for 30 years. Shortly after retirement his life took a turn as he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Through his tenacious nature he fought a hard battle and now his race is done. In the words of Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way.”

Mike was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He enjoyed his many road trips with Ruth out to California. He played the accordion, guitar and violin and enjoyed entertaining at family gatherings.He also loved to tinker with things.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ruth of Escanaba, son, Peter Derkos of Holt, MI; daughters, Jan (Greg) Furste of Petaluma, CA, Elizabeth Derkos of Orlando, FL, Marge (Tom Ammel) Derkos of Escanaba and Barbara (James) Deetken of San Rafael, CA; grandchildren, Alan Furste, Lexi, Megan and Christopher Deetken; brothers, Izzy (Karen) Derkos of Santa Rosa, CA, Tony (Anita) Derkos of Escanaba, John (Pat) Derkos of Farmington Hills, MI and Joe (Mary) Derkos of Soo Hill; sister, Maryann Shulick of Lansing, MI and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael Steven, an infant sister, Frances Derkos, his parents, nephews, Steve Shulick and Danny Derkos and a brother-in-law, John Shulick

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 22 from 10:00 AM to 12;00 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian burial will be at 1:00 PM at the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Interment will follow in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the parish hall.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Danny Derkos Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Escanaba High School.