Jo A. DeRoche

Jo was born August 14, 1949, in Marquette, a daughter of Larry and Elizabeth “Betty” Blohm. She was raised in Marquette and was active in youth activities and choir at Messiah Lutheran Church. Following graduation from Marquette Senior High School in 1967, Jo left Marquette to attend the University of Michigan, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1971. She moved to Chicago where she was employed with the Chicago and North Western Railroad in the Finance Department as a cost analyst. A few years later she transferred to the Operating Department as the first female trainmaster and was stationed in the Twin Cities and then Omaha. She moved to the Illinois Division as Personnel and Labor Relations Officer. The U.S. Railway Association recruited her to come to Washington, D.C. in 1980 to help prepare a report for Congress on how to return Conrail to the private sector. When she completed that assignment, Jo returned to Michigan and went to work for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad. While working full-time as manager of labor relations, she fulfilled a lifelong ambition by enrolling in law school at night. She passed the bar on the first try and transferred to the Law Department. Months later she was persuaded by an old friend to return to Washington, D.C. to join a small boutique firm in its transportation practice. She became an equity partner by representing short line railroads from coast to coast. In 2002, she purchased a house in Big Bay with the intention of retiring there. That came sooner than anticipated when she retired due to disability. From the very beginning, Jo possessed a strong will and determined nature. As the saying goes, she did not suffer fools gladly. She was always a force to be reckoned with! Jo was a huge University of Michigan fan, especially when it came to U of M football. Hail to the victors, GO BLUE!

In her leisure moments, she exercised her creative and artistic talents.

Jo is survived by her sister, June Swanson of Marquette; her brother, Larry Blohm of Calumet; nieces, Jasmine Schmidt of Milwaukee and Janet Anderson of Marquette; a nephew, Jason (Amanda) Swanson of Marquette; numerous great-nieces and nephews; an aunt, Char Miettunen Hanson and a cousin, Matt (Linda) Hanson all of Chapel Hill, NC.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Larry Blohm and Betty Blohm Moore; and brothers, Bill and Chuck Blohm.

Being a very generous soul, Jo would prefer donations in lieu of flowers. Memorials may be directed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808 or the New Free Store, 2210 US 41 Suite A, Marquette, MI 49855.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.