Peter F. Derocher

Peter Frederick Derocher passed from this world to his glorious next life on May 2, 2014, after a six month struggle with brain cancer. Pete was born in Escanaba, Michigan on April 2, 1939, son of the late Frederick and Laura (Swille) Derocher. He was a graduate of Holy Name High School in Escanaba and Northern Michigan University, and received his master's degree from Michigan State University. Pete retired from Kimberly Clark in 1994, completing a nearly thirty-one year career as a business analyst with the corporation. His last position there was Director of Operations and Control. Pete was well known for his collaborative, encouraging style of management and mentoring.

Away from work, Pete had a variety of hobbies and loves. He formerly sang second bass in the MacDowell Male Chorus and was a board member of the Neenah Visiting Nurses Association. He and Judy enjoyed many winters in Destin, Florida, where they walked on white sand beaches and tutored middle-school students in math and English. A nature lover, Pete relished walking outdoors and observing the abundant wildlife surrounding his home. He was the family's reigning King of Trivial Pursuit and could finish a USA Today crossword with the best of them.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years: Judy Derocher; his beloved children: Laura and Andy; two sisters: Mae Brown and Eleanor Murray; a brother: Louis (Nita) Derocher; two sisters-in-law: Sue (Jim) Bero and Vicki (Tom) Harstad; a brother-in-law: Herb Osmussen; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Francis (Bertha) Derocher; his sisters: Noelie (Joe) Chenier, Rita (Stude) Walsh, and Rosemary (Joe) Bartoszek; his in-laws: Harold and Florence Harstad; and two sisters-in-law: Patricia Harstad and Mary Osmussen.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton, beginning at 1:00 PM and concluding with a service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund in Pete's name. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

The family would like to thank the wonderfully caring and competent staffs at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Rennes Health and Rehab Center, and Theda Care's Cherry Meadows Hospice. We will never forget your love and kindness.