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BORN
1949
DIED
2021
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Michael Derrig Obituary
Born: August 29, 1949 in Chicago, IL
Died: April 26, 2021 in New Lenox, IL
Michael "Mike" Derrig, age 71, of Frankfort, IL, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021 at Silver Cross Hospital following a 3 ½ year battle with Mesothelioma.
Mike was born in Chicago, Illinois to Michael and Alice (nee Horras), grew up in Mokena and attended St. Mary's grade school and Lincoln-Way High School. Mike was a proud member of the United States Army Reserves and a dedicated member of the IBEW 176, retiring in 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Alice (nee Horras) Derrig, in-laws Donald (Ziggy) and Lorraine Zier, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and niece, Lindsay Jensen.
Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Kathleen L. Derrig, his son, Craig M. Derrig of Chicago, daughter Kristin L. McWilliams and her husband, Ryan, of Manhattan, along with the pride and joy of his life, his grandchildren Ryan, Jace, Seth and Peyton McWilliams. He also is survived by his sisters, Patricia (Jim) Jensen and Gayle (Dennis) Valy, his Aunt Ruth (Jim deceased) Horras, his "favorite" sister-in-law, Carol Zier, brother-in-law Ronald (Nancy) Zier and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, as well as his little furry friend, Bella.
Among many things, Mike will be remembered for his quick wit, his love for his family and as a talented left-handed baseball pitcher. Mike was drafted #24 overall in the 1968 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Mets. He had a rare experience in that he pitched a no-hitter and still lost the game and once struck out all 21 batters he faced in a game! After his baseball career, Mike still enjoyed playing baseball in the "Old Timers" League and following the baseball careers of his son Craig and grandchildren, who followed in his footsteps and played at Ingalls Park. A great story teller, he always had the attention of his grandsons who loved to hear stories from "back in the day" or "the olden days" and anything to do with baseball! He loved walking the trail, watching the White Sox, going out to breakfast and floating in his pool with his family and dog Bella.
Visitation for Mike will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423, from 12 - 3:00 p.m. with services immediately following at Kurtz Memorial Chapel. A short grave-side service will then follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 21495 S. Elsner Road, Frankfort. ALL IN ATTENDANCE ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCE. NO FOOD IS ALLOWED IN THE FUNERAL HOME.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions in Mike's memory can be made to Mesothelioma Research at the University of Chicago Hospital, 5841 South Maryland Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60637.
Kurtz memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements and can be reached at 815-806-2225 for further information.
65 Old Frankfort Way P.O. Box 1031rankfort
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Derrig
Sponsored by Kurtz Memorial Chapel - Frankfort.
Josh Manganiello
May 1, 2021
Sorry for your loss, i will never forgot what he did for me when i was younger, i wish i could have told him how much he meant to me and how much i respected him , Mrs Derrig and family you will be in my thoughts and prayers , he will always be remembered and loved
Robin Owens-Henning
May 1, 2021
Kathy and family I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. All my love..
Dennis and Jill Costello
May 1, 2021
So sorry about your loss. I worked with Mike quite a bit and he was just great to be around. He had the best sense of humor and told some of the funniest stories. Mike always found the humor in every situation, and will be missed by everyone. Rest in peace buddy.
Patrick J Flynn
May 1, 2021
I was 2 years younger than Mike at St. Mary's. He was the baseball god of Mokena for younger kids like me. As a fellow lefty, I looked up to him a lot, and one of the nicest things my Dad ever said to me was that I could throw as hard as Mike Derrig could at my age. I remember he had a gorgeous younger sister in my brother's class at St. Mary's.
I used to talk to Mike at the Providence football games, two old guys leaning on the fence just bs'ing about the old days.
R.I.P.
Larry Thompson
April 30, 2021
My condolences to Mike´s family. I fortunate enough to catch one of his many no-hitters. Mike: you threw gas buddy! My hand still hurts. You were such a talented, humble, special guy. Rest in piece my friend.
terry smolik
April 30, 2021
Mike was the Steward at Jolietland Speedway during its construction. Never sweated the small stuff . He and ET would drive Dave B crazy though.One of the best Electricians 176 has.
My wishes to the Family .He will be missed , but always in our Hearts
John Arbanas
April 29, 2021
kathleen sorry to hear of mikes paasing
john arbanas
April 29, 2021
kathleen sorry to hear about your lost. I remember when ron mike and i use to bowl in our younger years at stone city. have ron text me at cox.net
Larry Capista
April 29, 2021
I have fond memories of Mike playing baseball as a teenager... I remember in pony league and no one could ever hit Mike.. I was a lefty batter and sure couldn't so one time I batted right handed and basically closed my eyes , the shortstop was standing on 2nd base and when I made my swing the ball hit my bat right where the short stop should have been,,, oh the look on Mikes face.. and mine of surprise .. I think I may have mentioned it to him after.. like for years if I would see him... Mike was a good man , my heart goes out to your family..
Rhonda (Mcwilliams) Stickel
April 29, 2021
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Memories are within your heart forever.
Andy Touloupakis
April 28, 2021
Craig,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Warmest condolences,
Martha "Marty" Seemann
April 28, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family on the passing of Mike. He was a great person. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. +May his memory be eternal.
Cathy and John Strle
April 28, 2021
Dear Kathy and Family,
Our hearts are breaking for you and your family during this difficult time. Sending you love and prayers.
Marge Bessler
April 28, 2021
My Deepest Sympathy Kathy on the loss of your beloved husband. You are in my prayers. Please take care of yourself at this difficult time.
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