Merle Leroy Rochester

Merle Leroy Rochester of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 15, 2023, at the age of 86. Merle was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on August 11, 1937, the son of Arlo and Alice (Paquette) Rochester. He proudly served with the US Army for two years while stationed in Germany.

Merle worked for General Motors for 30 years and not a day more, before retiring in 1986. He was also a lifetime farmer taking over his family farm. Merle enjoyed bowling and chasing around grandkids whenever he got the chance.

Merle is survived by his wife, Daisy Rochester of Eaton Rapids; children, Kathi (Barry) Hardin of Haslett, Jeffrey (Carol) Rochester of Eaton Rapids, Larry (Lori) Chesebro of Muskegon, Charles Rochester of Eaton Rapids, Gary (Lindsey) Chesebro of Stanwood, Christine (Todd) Garrison of Eaton Rapids; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marilynn Ward; second wife, Linda Potter; grandson, Jeffrey Rochester Jr; siblings, Robert Rochester, Eloise Bainbridge, Loreen Bertram, Wilson Rochester.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Interment followed in Oakwood Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 in loving memory of Merle Leroy Rochester. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.