Roger Lee Dershem

     Roger Lee Dershem, age 76, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 27, 2022, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding, with military honors to follow mass. A luncheon will be held at Knights of Columbus Hall following the mass and military honors.  Burial will take place at Eureka Cemetery, St. Johns, MI at a later date.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel- St. Johns, MI.  The Rosary will be prayed at 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. 

    Roger was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 10, 1946, the son of Raymond and Margaret (Doyle) Dershem.  Roger graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1965.  Roger married Mary Schafer on May 19, 1973 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia.

    He and his wife Mary have owned and operated Dershey's Cafe in St. Johns, Michigan since 1997.  Roger loaned out hospital equipment in addition to renting out tables and chairs for special occasions.

     Roger enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family both at home and at his cabin.  He was very proud and supportive of his children and grandchildren.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a 50 year member of the American Legion.

     Roger was very active in his community.  He was a Vincentian with the St. Vincent de Paul Society in St. Johns.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an usher.  He was an active Lions Club member involved with the recycling center and coordinated their food trailer during music in the park.  He was also a St. Johns Knights of Columbus member and coordinated their fish fry's and American Red Cross blood drives. 

     He is survived by his wife Mary Dershem; daughters: Dianne (John) Smith and Kathy (James) Robins; grandchildren: Kelsey Smith (Devin Slavik), Sean Robins, Aaron Robins, and Allison Robins, siblings: Maurice (Gwen) Dershem, Mary Ellen (Dick) Pung, Beverly Mohnke, Bill (Liz) Dershem, Jim Dershem (Lu Whitford), and Ron (Judy) Dershem.  He is also survived by brothers-and-sisters in law: Jan (Brent) Coffman, Patti Schafer, Bob (Doris) Schafer, and Ron (Karen) Schafer; and many loving nieces, nephews, and godchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Raymond and Elizabeth Schafer, brothers-in-law: Gerald and Richard Schafer, and Ken Mohnke.

     Memorials may be made to St. Johns Lions Recycling Center or Sparrow Hospice.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.