John DeGrave

Iron Mountain - John S. DeGrave, 91, of Iron Mountain, died on Wednesday January 10, 2007 at Manorcare Health Care Systems in Kingsford. He was born on March 21, 1915 in Gladstone, Michigan, son of the late Henry and Margaret (Jacques) DeGrave. He served in the United States Army during WWII with the 10th Mountain Division. He married Mary Giannunzio on February 4, 1941 at the St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. He worked for Ford Motor Company for 15 years, and then as a carpenter for Joiner Construction Company for another 15 years. John was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a life member of both the V.F.W., and the American Legion Post #50, and also a life member of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He built houses on the side for many years. He built bird houses and enjoyed woodworking. He also loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was preceded in death by brothers Jule, Hubert, Lawrence, Harold, and Clifford DeGrave. John is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Mary 2 daughters, Kathryn (James E.) Anderson of Niagara, and Nancy M. Reimer of Sterling Heights, MI Grandchildren Jamie M. Anderson, John (Becky) Emery and Robert Emery, and Michelle (Tyson) Chamberlain Great grandchildren, Tyler and Cheyenne Brothers and sisters Rose Verley of Arkansas, Agnes Pirlot of Georgia, Dorothy (William) Burkart of Iron Mountain, Brother Harold Elmer DeGrave OFM of Brazil, Robert (Josie) DeGrave of Norway, and Marie Collins of Kingsford And a large extended family Visitation will be from 10:30am-12:30 pm, Saturday, January 13, 2007 at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral Mass will be at 1:00pm at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Members of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus will serve as pallbearers. The Knights of Columbus will say a rosary at 12:15pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in John's memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of John DeGrave online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangement

John DeGrave

January 10, 1916 - January 10, 2007