Michael "Mike" James Derrig

Michael “Mike” Derrig, age 71, of Frankfort, IL, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021 at Silver Cross Hospital following a 3 ½ year battle with Mesothelioma.

Mike was born in Chicago, Illinois to Michael and Alice (nee Horras), grew up in Mokena and attended St. Mary’s grade school and Lincoln-Way High School. Mike was a proud member of the United States Army Reserves and a dedicated member of the IBEW 176, retiring in 2012.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Alice (nee Horras) Derrig, in-laws Donald (Ziggy) and Lorraine Zier, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and niece, Lindsay Jensen.

Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Kathleen L. Derrig, his son, Craig M. Derrig of Chicago, daughter Kristin L. McWilliams and her husband, Ryan, of Manhattan, along with the pride and joy of his life, his grandchildren Ryan, Jace, Seth and Peyton McWilliams. He also is survived by his sisters, Patricia (Jim) Jensen and Gayle (Dennis) Valy, his Aunt Ruth (Jim deceased) Horras, his “favorite” sister-in-law, Carol Zier, brother-in-law Ronald (Nancy) Zier and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, as well as his little furry friend, Bella.

Among many things, Mike will be remembered for his quick wit, his love for his family and as a talented left-handed baseball pitcher. Mike was drafted #24 overall in the 1968 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Mets. He had a rare experience in that he pitched a no-hitter and still lost the game and once struck out all 21 batters he faced in a game! After his baseball career, Mike still enjoyed playing baseball in the "Old Timers" League and following the baseball careers of his son Craig and grandchildren, who followed in his footsteps and played at Ingalls Park. A great story teller, he always had the attention of his grandsons who loved to hear stories from “back in the day” or "the olden days" and anything to do with baseball! He loved walking the trail, watching the White Sox, going out to breakfast and floating in his pool with his family and dog Bella.

Visitation for Mike will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423, from 12 – 3:00 p.m. with services immediately following at Kurtz Memorial Chapel at 3:00 PM. A short grave-side service will then follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 21495 S. Elsner Road, Frankfort. ALL IN ATTENDANCE ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCE. NO FOOD IS ALLOWED IN THE FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions in Mike’s memory can be made to Mesothelioma Research at the University of Chicago Hospital, 5841 South Maryland Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60637.

Kurtz Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements and can be reached at 815-806-2225 for further information.