Jan 7, 2021

Michigan blueberry grower Roger Leduc dies at age 91

Roger Leduc, 91, founder of Leduc Blueberries in Paw Paw, Michigan, died Dec. 28, at his home in Paw Paw.

According to his obituary, Roger Leduc was born on Dec. 11, 1929 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the son of Antonio J Leduc and Rose (Blanch) Normandin.

Roger grew up in in Massachusetts. He served in the Army and was stationed at Fort Custer in Battle Creek. Roger became a Sergeant First Class in the Regular Army and served in Korea along with both of Jackie’s brothers, Charles and Mark.

While stationed at Fort Custer he met the love of his life, Jackie Rhoten.  when he got lost looking for a dance in Gobles Michigan They were married  on May 29, 1950; they recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. Mr. Leduc followed his wife 20 days after her death and is now dancing with her in heaven.

Jackie and Roger built multiple businesses, including Leduc & Son’s Builders and Leduc Blueberries. He worked hard to provide for his wife and seven children.  He took great joy being with family and friends, telling stories and playing cribbage.

Roger is survived by his four sons, Roger C. (Lynn) Leduc, Robert (Denise) Leduc, Mark (Chris) Leduc and Joe (Chantel) Leduc; three daughters, Connie (Craig) Cooley, Terry (John) Kinch and Marianne (Andy) Baker; one sister Lorraine (Leduc) Higgins, 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Romeo, Rene, Paul, Oscar, and his sisters Theresa, Rita Delisle.

Per Jackie and Rogers wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no public services. They will be placed to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Veteran’s of Foreign Wars ([email protected]) or to Wings of Hope Hospice (Allegan).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.