Marquette / Ishpeming – Donald J. "Deke" Roberts, Jr., age 62, longtime Ishpeming area resident and more recently of Marquette passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 27, 2017.

Donald was born November 6, 1954 in Ishpeming the son of the late Donald J. Sr. and Marion B. (Peterson) Roberts. Deke was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1972. Following his graduation he was employed by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. (CCI) first at the Humboldt Mine and later at the Tilden Mine. Deke took a disability retirement due to his mining accident in 1988. He loved to do woodworking projects and carpentry work and had built a few homes during his lifetime.

Deke had been an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and had served as a volunteer counselor for many summers at Camp Michigamme. In recent years he enjoyed following the Detroit Tigers. Deke most enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren.

Deke is survived by 3 children – Chelsea (Jesse) Perry of Negaunee, Jesse (Ashley) Roberts of Ishpeming and Jacob (fianc é e Tara White) Roberts of Marquette, 4 grandchildren – Ryan Perry, Aubrey Perry, Maxwell Roberts and Lucas Mattson, sister Marilyn (Richard) Hill of Appleton, WI, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am – 11:00am on Friday, May 5, 2017 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am on Friday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Phil Tousley to officiate.

Deke's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.