Peter Valentino DeRossi

Peter Valentino DeRossi, age 97, of Merriman went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2017 at the VA Hospital as a result of living a long useful life. He was born to Emilio DeRossi and Helen (Zaupa) DeRossi on October 31, 1919 in Crystal Falls, MI. At age 13 he moved with his parents and sisters to Merriman for the start of a new farm that today is the United Sportsman's Club property. At age 18 he was part of a WPA crew that brushed the hill for the Pine Mountain Ski Jump. On February 10, 1942 he entered the U.S. Army. Providentially, it was the same day that his future wife, Joan Helen Black, of London, England entered the Royal Air Force, a fact they discovered many years later. Val DeRossi proudly served in Patton's 4th Armored Division whose nickname was “Name Enough” to signify the valor and impact this division had to bring an end to WWII in Europe. He saw action at the Battle of the Bulge and was later shot off a tank by an enemy aircraft near Bad Kreuznach, Germany. He convalesced in England and was on his way back to his unit when the war ended in Europe. Val and Joan were married in London on September 12, 1945. After his return to Iron Mountain, she was able to follow the next year. On January 29, 1948 they had a son, Peter Edward. Val started his work career at the Ford plant in Kingsford and also farmed. In 1952 he began working at the VA Hospital, retiring 32 years later. In 1957 Val acquired his own property and in 1962 started a potato farm which he did for several years. Once he stopped farming, he began working for Smith's Castings in Kingsford while still working at the VA Hospital. He finally retired from Smith's Castings at age 79 and went on to enjoy 18 years of full retirement. Besides gardening, he enjoyed belonging to a radio controlled air plane club, and attending many veterans activities. His military honors included a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a diploma, dated July 4th, 2001 from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of France for his service in the French liberation. Val DeRossi is survived by his son Peter (Donnette) of Green Bay, WI and their two daughters: Andra Siedsma of Green Bay and her son, Noah of Oshkosh; and Megan (Troy) Meissner of Pembine, WI and their children, Elena, Caleb, Rachel, Autumn, Greta and Peter; and his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many wonderful friends and neighbors, whom he loved to spend time with. He is predeceased by parents, wife and sisters, Edith (Gemo) Anderson and Inez Osterberg, and his wife's siblings. Val was a generous man who supported many organizations, including Lake Lundgren Bible Camp, 4-H, veteran's organizations and services for under-privileged children. He was a regular attendee of First Covenant Church for the past 25 years. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the First Covenant Church at 125 East H Street in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the church. Rev. Peter Erickson will officiate. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. The American Legion Post #50 will accord Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers a Memorial will be established in his memory. Val's family wishes to sincerely thank the VA Hospital Staff, the Dickinson Home Health Nursing Staff, and the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care of Valentino in his final days. Condolences to the family of Valentino P. DeRossi may be expressed online atwww.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services with the arrangements.

Peter Valentino DeRossi

October 31, 1919 - May 18, 2017