Irving L. DeRoeck, age 95, former Escanaba businessman and well known sailor/boatbuilder, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.
Irving was born July 15, 1927, in Norway, MI, the son of Leo and Elizabeth (Varda) DeRoeck. The family moved to Gladstone in 1936, and he grew up on the shores of Little Bay de Noc. His lifelong love of boats and sailing began in those early years.
Irving graduated from Gladstone High School
In 1945, enlisted in the United States Navy, and on his 18th birthday was on his way to Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He served on the island of Guam for one year, and upon his return, he enrolled in Northern Michigan University.
On September 4, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Bette Heslip. The couple enjoyed many years of shared adventures from raising a family, to starting a business and sailing to distant shores. Their three daughters inherited his love for sailing and enjoyed many vacation cruises and races. When the grandchildren arrived, they too were included. Irving was also a 2 year Commodore at the Escanaba Yacht Club.
Irv will be remembered for his expertise in the early days of computers both at Harnischfeger Corp. and at Bay de Noc College, and finally with his business Delcomp, Inc. which he owned and operated until its sale. He will also be remembered for building the 44 foot catamaran, “Cathexis,” which he and Bette spent many winters cruising the Bahamas. He was very proud of having placed first in the multihull division of the Chicago to Mackinac yacht race with Cathexis.
In addition to his loving wife, Bette, Irving is survived by:
3 Daughters: Barb (Alex) Chenier of Escanaba, MI
Diane (Mike) Reimer of Eagle River, WI
Kim Brazeau of Morro Bay, CA
1 Brothers: Russell (Elaine) DeRoeck of Gladstone, MI
2 Sisters-in-law: Pat (Bud) Clark of Gladstone, MI
And Jackie (Gary) Johnson of Fayetteville, AR
6 Grandchildren: Jennifer Anderson, Sean (Marcia) Reimer, Chris (Anne) Reimer, Katherine Reimer, Claire “K.C.” Brazeau and Colin Brazeau.
4 Great Grandchildren: Logan and Jordan Lehman and Jake and Zach Reimer.
Irving was preceded in death by:
Parents
Sister: Lorraine DeRoeck
Sister-in-law: Billie (Tony) Marmalick
Grandchild: Kelly Claire DeRoeck
Family will receive friends on Monday, September 12, 2022 from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Irving will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the DeRoeck family.
Chris Holmes - Escanaba, MI
Sympathies and prayers to Bette and complete family with Irv’s passing.
What talents and expertise he brought to the community, a real gem along with kindness and grace in all he did.
I truly enjoyed the time I spent with him as he shared his experiences.