Obituary: Jo Dereske, 77, of Ludington

Jo Dereske

Jo Dereske died on Saturday, July 5, 2025. She was born in Ludington on October 1, 1947, to John and June (Zemke) Dereske.

She graduated from Mason County Central High School in Scottville in 1965, and received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree 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 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer with Rev. Dan DePew presiding.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home & Cremation Services (formerly Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington), www.GraceCremations.com