Obituary of John M. DeRosier

John (Jack) M. DeRosier, age 96, lifelong resident of Duluth, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Duluth Heights Lodge. He was born in Duluth, June 8th, 1927, the son of Leo J. and Marguerite E. DeRosier.

After finishing High School at Duluth Denfeld, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served in WWII in the South Pacific, was on Operation Crossroads Project, which included atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, on the Destroyer USS Wainwright and the James E. Kyes (DD-787). He then continued 5 years of service in the Naval Reserve with Honorable Discharge from both. After coming home, he worked for US Steel before joining the Duluth Police Department, on June 4, 1951 and retired after 33 years of service as Sgt. Supervisor ID Bureau.

Jack enjoyed sports. From hunting, fishing, golfing in the Monday North Lakes League with his son and grandsons, a very dedicated Vikings and Twins fan, to being a very active bowler in the Duluth area. He was very honored in being inducted in the DABA Hall of Fame, still holding the MN State record of 830 for the Senior Sanctioned League, Senior Division, on March 13th, 1991.

He also was an accomplished musician. He played the accordion, piano and organ, entertaining family and friends for hours at all gatherings. He played the accordion with the “Cavaliers” around the Duluth Area, was the main entertainment at all yearly fishing trips, and later in years even composing a few songs.

On October 16th, 1948 he married the love of his life Beverly R. (Eskola) DeRosier celebrating 61 years with the woman of his dreams. The most important thing to Jack was his family. Together they raised 4 wonderful kids, creating an extended family like no other.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, wife Bev, daughter Arlene Morrison, son-in-law Tim Morrison, granddaughter Vicki Towle and brothers Leo (Dick) R. and Gerald W. DeRosier.

Survivors include his children, Kathy (John Soderlund) Towle, Gary (Maureen) DeRosier and Laura (Steve) Owen, all of the Duluth area; brother William (Bill) DeRosier of Duluth; grandchildren, Laura, Daniel and Ryan Pursi of Duluth, Jennifer (Bryan) Gasche of Florida, Natalie Towle of Nevada, John J. DeRosier, Alex (Alexis Murray) Owen, Brandon (Denise) Owen, Clayton (Theresa) Theivagt all of Duluth, and Jake (Mary) Theivagt of Superior; eleven great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Alyssa, Derek (Hannah), Tyler, Max, Adam, Nolan, Fischer, Allison, Caden and Elizabeth; two great-great-grandchildren, Kason and Camden; and many nieces, nephews  and extended family.

Jack would want to express his deep appreciation to Fr. Blake Rozier who he looked upon as one of his kids.

The DeRosier family would like to thank the staff at Duluth Heights Lodge and St. Luke’s Hospice for the care and compassion that Jack received. Memorial (Mass) Service:

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - 614 99th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55808  Monday, December 18th, 2023 - 10:00 a.m. visitation with mass at 11:00 a.m. and lunch to follow in the church reception hall. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota.