Howard Joseph DeGrouchy


Age 87, of Grand Blanc, passed away on January 9, 2023. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10:00 am, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439. Howard will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery on a later date that has yet to be determined. Expressions of sympathy and memories may be shared with the family on Howard’s Tribute Wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.

Howard Joseph DeGrouchy was born on September 4, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William and Elizabeth (McKenna) DeGrouchy. He served in the U. S. Navy on the USS Bennington aircraft carrier for four years and was also enlisted in the reserves after his discharge from active duty. After the Navy, he was employed as a Quality Control Engineer for the Chrysler Corporation. Early in Howard’s career, he was proud to be selected as a team member for the exciting and experimental project of the Chrysler Turbine Car. Later in his career, he was instrumental in implementing a process of Quality Engineers working closely with purchasing and vendors to prevent and resolve quality issues and improve overall vehicle performance. He retired after 33 years of service with Marie to Houghton Lake, Michigan where they built a new home. He loved to be on the water fishing. They also loved to travel with their camper, often camping with a group of friends. For many years, Howard and Marie would spend the winters in their second home in Inverness, Florida. They moved to the Grand Reserves community in Grand Blanc, Michigan in 2014 where Marie still resides. Howard was always “Mister-Fix-It” even when it wasn’t broken. He had a mechanical instinct for how things worked and could pretty much figure out how to fix anything.

Howard is survived by his wife of 64 years; Marie DeGrouchy, his five children; Cathy (Jeff) Jehnzen, Suzanne (Steve) Baxter, Bruce (Mary) DeGrouchy, Mark (Kathy) DeGrouchy and Michelle DeGrouchy, his twelve grandchildren; Bryan and wife Monica, Ashley, Brandon and wife Anita, Weston, Carly, Nicholas, Nina, Daniel, Anthony, and Shane and six great-grandchildren.

Howard is preceded in death by his four siblings; Donald DeGrouchy, Mary (Stella) Wirth, Ray DeGrouchy, and Michael DeGrouchy.

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6 Condolences

  1. Kenneth Friddle on January 16, 2023 at 8:51 pm

    We send our most sincere condolences. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

    Ken and Sue Friddle



  2. Benay Monarch on January 17, 2023 at 1:00 am

    Marie & family,
    I will always remember Howard for the fantastic wedding video he did for myself & Lenny. His commentary & filming his shoes was memorable. Thanks Howard. You will be missed by all who knew you and loved you. Your family is your wonderful legacy! RIP!
    Benay



  3. Keith DeGrouchy on January 17, 2023 at 9:34 am

    Uncle Howard Rest in Peace Sir, say hello to the family ! Thinking of you Marie,Kathy, Bruce, Susie, and Michelle.



  4. Clinton and Denise Cunningham on January 24, 2023 at 2:25 pm

    Howard was such an interesting and entertaining neighbor and we enjoyed walking across the street for visits with him. We enjoyed sitting together at the Grand Reserve Veterans affairs with our wives – Howard was always so stimulating to be with. Our hearts go out to Marie and the family, and we will miss him very much.



  5. Nancy Evola on February 16, 2023 at 6:34 pm

    Marie and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love, Nancy, Alicia and Kristin



  6. Adeline curlett on March 8, 2023 at 9:03 am

    As a as a lifelong friend since gradeschool I’ll miss our times together playing cards and just reministing about old times. My prayers are with Howard and Marie. Love, Adeline.



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