Paul R. DesRochers Sr.

KEWEENAW BAY - Paul R. DesRochers, Sr., 64, of Keweenaw Bay, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2008, at The Omega House in Houghton following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Hancock on June 17, 1944, the son of the late Robert and Cathrine (Hilgers) DesRochers. Paul graduated from Baraga High School and then attended Northern Michigan University for two years.

He married the former Susan Stimac in L'Anse on June 6, 1995.

Paul was a self-employed logger until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Baraga. Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, talking about logging, gardening, animals, and was a skilled self-taught carpenter.

Mr. DesRochers is survived by his loving wife, Sue; children, Paul DesRochers of Baraga, Matt (Shannon) DesRochers of Baraga, Matt (Laura) Manderfield of Waukesha, Wis., Joan DesRochers of Negaunee, Stacey (Dan) Koski of Baraga, and Bill (Maddie) Manderfield of Atlantic Mine; grandchildren, Jessi, Nathan, Aleah, Ashtin, Kyle, David, Allan, Ryan, Kyle, Corryn, Angela, Kathrine, Genna, William and Josiah; great-grandchild, Auroa; brothers, Michael, Robert and Jim, all of Baraga; sisters, Roberta of Nebraska and Susie of California; mother-in-law, Gladys Stimac of Houghton; three aunts; and special cousin, Thomas. Numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Memorial services for Mr. DesRochers will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2008, at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse, with Fr. George Maki officiating. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Houghton.

The family will receive friends at the funeral chapel on Monday from 12 noon until time of the service.

Following the service, the family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the Harrington Gathering Room located at the funeral home.

Mr. DesRochers obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at rfsc.net. The family has entrusted the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse, with arrangements.