Otis R. Derochie

JEFFERSON, S.D. -- Otis R. Derochie, 87, of Jefferson died Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at a Elk Point, S.D., care center.

Services will be 9:30 a.m. Friday Riverside Lutheran Church in Sioux City, with the Rev. Charles Wolff officiating. Burial will be in Elk Point City Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, where condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Otis was born April 3, 1919, to Henry and Emma (French) Derochie, in Union County, S.D., where he attended school. He entered the U.S. Army on July 17, 1941, at Fort Crook, Neb. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 14, 1946. While in the Army, he served as a cook, baker and mess sergeant.

He was united in marriage to Blanche Kneebone in Midland, Texas, in 1942. After his discharge, the couple made their home in Union County, S.D., where he farmed and Blanche taught school.

He was a member of Elk Point I.O.O.F. Lodge 4 for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. 3, American Legion Bert L. Smith Post 134, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Abu Bekr Shrine and the Sahib Unit of Sioux City. He also served his community by serving on the school board and being a 4-H leader for several years.

His favorite enjoyments in life were his family, his woodshop, square dancing, his farming and time spent with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Blanche; two sons, Gary (Marilyn) of Sioux City and Dennis (Sherry) of McCook Lake, S.D.; a daughter, Barbara (Tom) Bernard of Chadron, Neb.; seven grandchildren, Thad (Tracie), Todd, Jared, Kyle and Kevin Derochie, Laura (Jess) Hagman and Brooke (Kevin) Kiem; and four great-grandchildren, Megan, Madalyn, Cameron and Kade.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for all the love and kindnesses shown to Otis during his illness.