Derek Thomas Bodman, age 36, passed away in his cabin in Baldwin, MI on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Derek was an avid fisherman to say the least! There is no place he would rather be than on a river somewhere. His passion for fishing could only be compared in measurement to his love for his children. Not only did Derek love his own children more than anything in this world, he loved all children—especially fiancée Ashley’s boys and her nieces, his little brother, and his nieces and nephews. He was so full of life, and his contagious smile could light up a room in an instant.

Derek spent a good majority of his life growing up in Greenville, MI, but after traveling many places over the years, he ended up in the northwestern part of Michigan. He remained close to Baldwin, Traverse City, or Fremont. Derek touched the lives of so many people. Everyone he came into contact with loved him. He was an amazing father, fiancé, friend, family man, and fishing guide. He will be truly missed.

Derek is survived by fiancée, Ashley LaFave; children, Baylee, Brice, and Brody; his fiancée’s sons, Ethan, Noah, and Eli; brother, Chester Bodman; stepfather, Norm Fertig (Jennifer Burns); brother, Kyler Fertig, and sister, Nikki Fertig; grandmother, Nancy Fertig; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Weber; father, Chester Bodman; brothers, Eddy and John Bodman; grandparents, Esther and Lawrence Weber, Chester and Mary Bodman, and Jim Fertig.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at St. Ann Catholic Church, Baldwin, MI. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.