William Wallace Derengoski

William Wallace Derengoski (Bill) peacefully passed from this life on Friday, October 6, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 15, 1942, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Robert and Dorothy Derengoski. Soon they moved across the lake to the Lansing area where Bill lived the rest of his life. There would be many trips back across the lake on the car ferry, however, to spend cherished time at “the cottage” in Door County.

Bill met the love of his life, Joy Deal, while taking classes at Michigan State University School of Art. By the end of the semester they were dating, and, a few months later were engaged. Nothing was going to stop them from getting married in December of ’68, including an historical snow storm.

Bill worked in the insurance industry for several years before attending Cooley Law School, graduating at age 40. He served over two decades as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan.

Bill had a brilliant sense of humor, an amazing voice, and could play the piano by ear quite impressively. His serenades to Joy when they were dating later evolved into singing opera while playing the piano with the family dogs howling. Animals (particularly dogs), golf (at least two hole-in-ones), chess (with dear friends), and Notre Dame Football were just some of his diverse interests.

A devoted father, Bill was always there for his children. Whatever the interests they had or the challenges they faced, he was there beside them to provide support and wisdom. His genuine interest in each one of his 11 grandchildren was apparent in the way he would always inquire about each one individually, and they could count on Grandpa praying for them daily.

Bill was a man with an unwavering Catholic Faith. He always said that being born on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows was no coincidence, as he would suffer since childhood from kidney disease. Having a strong devotion to the Eucharist and Mary, it brought him much comfort that most of his surgeries happened to fall on Marian Feast Days. Bill enjoyed growing and sharing his Faith with others through conversations about spiritual books, or listening to the encouraging words of Father Spitzer. His example of love, generosity, prayer, offering up his sufferings, and perseverance in difficulty is a legacy he will always have in the hearts of those who knew him.

Bill will be remembered by his wife, Joy; his children, Sue (Peter) Luea, John (Megan) Derengoski, and Emily (Duncan) Walker; his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jack) Kirwan, Maria, Veronica, Therese, Stephen, Xavier, Lucy, Daniel, Martin, Quinn, and Jack; his siblings, Tom (Vickie), Anne, Jean, and Sally. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sue (Peter) Bumpus.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 5-8pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing Chapel (1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing) with a 7pm rosary service. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (915 Alton Rd., East Lansing) with visitation preceding the mass, beginning at 10:30am.

Memorial contributions in Bill's honor may be made to Right to Life Michigan, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.