Bradley E. Derenzy

  Bradley Derenzy, age 78, passed from this world peacefully at his home in Gaylord on Monday, August 19, 2024, more than 3 years after developing symptoms of advanced colon cancer.  He stoically accepted his fate, telling family and friends that "You've got to play the hand you are dealt."  He played the game aggressively with a deck that was stacked against him, beating the odds along the way from several life-threatening complications.  In the end, he gracefully acknowledged that the game was over.  He was comforted by the belief that he had given his family, who he loved more than anything, the strength and means to carry on without him and that \beloved family, who had gone before, would be waiting to welcome him home.

  Brad was born on December 5, 1945 to Gerald G. and Margaret J. (Lord) Derenzy in Charlevoix, Michigan.  He was raised in East Jordan on the family farm at the top of the Hogsback Hill, contributing from an early age to the hard work of farm life.  He graduated from East Jordan High School in 1963, and enjoyed reconnecting with classmates at reunions.  Brad served his country for more than 5 years, first in the the Michigan National Guard and then volunteering for the U.S. Army.  He was stationed in Germany with missile command on the "Cold War" front and was honorably discharged in December 1970.  He has been a member of the American Legion Post 227 in East Jordan for decades.  

  As a young man, Brad and his brother Tom were among the first hires for Petrie Construction.  Brad enjoyed playing baseball, and it was while sidelined with an injury and watching a game at the EJ softball fields that he met Maureen Cihak. After their marriage on November 29, 1975,  he selflessly left home, job, and friends to support his wife's career dreams, working with construction firms downstate until a move back north to Gaylord in 1988 allowed him to return to the Petrie crew until his retirement 16 years ago.  Brad and Maureen enjoyed a true partnership for more than 48 years.   

  Brad is survived by his wife, Maureen, daughters Jennifer McBride (Jeff Burke) and Alissa Derenzy, and granddaughters Erin McBride, Madeline Burke, and Darcy Derenzy-Locker, all of Gaylord.  He is also survived by brother Chris Derenzy, sister Nancy (Gail) Eby and sister-in-laws Donna Derenzy (Arlie Frye) and Carole Derenzy, all of East Jordan, sister-in-law Glendara Kay Wells of Celebration, FL as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Tom and Glenn, sisters- and brothers-in-law Winona and Garey (Buzz) Gee, Bonnie and Marvin Lapeer, Jim Wells and Richard Nizza.

  Brad was a reluctant long distance traveler, but he hit the road between Gaylord and East Jordan every chance he got, showing up with a sincere smile and ready laugh wherever he might find a friend or family member.  He enjoyed time outside in his large garden, took the lead in the kitchen preserving the harvest and cooking, and would watch any kind of sports event.  But it was hunting that was his passion.  He had bragging rights to the most and biggest racks at the deer camp and rarely came up short filling his tags.

  Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 11:00 am at Penzien Funeral Home in East Jordan, with Pastor Greg Watling officiating.  Interment will take place immediately following at Morehouse Cemetery, just up the hill from his childhood home.  The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

  Those wishing to make a memorial donation can contribute to the American Legion Post 227 in support of our veterans.  

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