Lawrence ‘Sonny’ J. Derusha
ESCANABA — Lawrence “Sonny” J. Derusha, 92, of Escanaba, Hyde area, passed away on Wednesday October 20, 2021 at his home. He was born on September 21, 1929 in Escanaba, son of the late Ernest and Linnea (Johnson) Derusha. On September 9, 1950 he married the former Geraldine “Gerry” Fillion, who passed away in 2017, at Holy Family Church in Flat Rock.
During his teen years, he worked for the Dells Supper Club & Farm, then as a welder at Harnischfeger for 35 years until his retirement and after retiring, he worked for Marvic Construction for 12 years. Sonny was a member of St. Anne’s Church and the parish service commission for over 20 years. He was a true welder by trade and built the grills in his garage and they’re still being used today. He was also a Knights of Columbus 4th degree council #640 in Escanaba. Sonny also enjoyed hunting, fishing, automobile racing, football and traveling.
He is survived by daughter, Debra (Tony) Fudala, Escanaba; two sons, Phillip Derusha Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Garry Derusha, De Pere, Wis.: grandchildren, Jodi (Mike) Bizeau, Escanaba, Jason (Amy) Fudala, Gladstone, Jessy (Dave) Poe Gladstone, Ashley (Curtis) Doyon, Loveland, Colo., Phillip Derusha Jr. (P.J.) Huston, Texas, Justin (Dee Fenske) Derusha De Pere, Wis., and Sarah (Jeremy) McCoy, Jefferson City, MO, great-grandchildren: Michael Bizeau, Jordan P. Fudala-Brooks, Portland, Ore., Jared Bizeau, Logan Fudala, Beau Racine, Ethan and Emily Poe, Dillon and Alyssa Doyon, Brayden, Ava, and Colton McCoy, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother, Morris Derusha, two unborn children and a daughter-in-law, Susan Derusha.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday October 25, at St. Anne’s Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Monday at church with Fr. Francis DeGroot officiating. Burial will follow Mass in the Holy Cross Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the church parish hall.
The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Derusha family. Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.