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Jo Dereske Obituary
She graduated from Mason County Central High School in Scottville, MI, in 1965, and received her BA and MLS from Western Michigan University. Jo worked mainly as an academic librarian, but her true profession was writing. She was the author of 18 published novels, including the Miss Zukas mysteries, the Ruby Crane mysteries, three novels for young people, numerous articles and short stories, plus award-winning poetry. She was at work on a new project when she died.
Jo is survived by her husband, Thomas Patten, her former high school sweetheart. She felt boundless love for, and immeasurable pride in, her two children Kaja (Dita) Rudinow and Erik (Judy) Larsen, and grandson, Alex. She is also survived by her beloved stepdaughter, Lara (Robert) Norris and step-granddaughter Larisa. She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Dereske and is survived by her brother Raymond (Barbara) Dereske and sisters Mary (Bill Vreeke) Dereske, and Janice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider performing an act of kindness for someone you're not particularly fond of.
A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Custer, Michigan, with Rev. Dan DePew presiding.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home & Cremation Services (formerly Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington), www.GraceCremations.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jo Dereske
Sponsored by Grace Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
2 Entries
Connie Malone Longanecker
July 8, 2025
My sincere condolences to Jo's family.
I got to know Jo as a favorite customer during my 22 years at Ennens Foods.
What a lovely lady!
She introduced me to her Miss Zukus books which I enjoyed so much.
Sending prayers. She will be missed!!
Joyce (Ager) Faltinek
July 8, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Joanne´s family. Joanne and I grew up together in Walhalla. Our birthday was on the same date, just a year apart. We went through high school together, she was just one year ahead of me. We use to share books as we both love to read. She was such a special person.
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Grace Funeral Home & Cremation Services3060 W. US Highway 10, Ludington, MI 49431
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