Derek John “DJ” Bryant

Derek was born on Feb. 22, 1990, in Iron Mountain. He was a lifelong resident of this area and a 2008 graduate of Norway High School. After high school, Derek worked for Kiser Hydro in Norway, Stephenson Feed Mill Co-Op and then several years in sales and delivery for Aramark Services. Most recently he worked as an electrician for B&B Electric, a subcontractor at Marinette Marine.

Derek married Laura Carlson on Aug. 6, 2016, at St. Barbara Church in Vulcan. He and Laura became parents on June 26, 2019, to Austyn Jean-Marie; she was his pride and joy.

DJ loved going camping with family and friends. He also loved playing baseball and played his entire life. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially trapping with his uncle Mark.

Derek had many hobbies. He was active with the Vulcan Relic Riders antique snowmobile club and served as their secretary/treasurer. He also loved building and working on his dream truck the “Orange Crush.” Derek had recently begun an excavating business called DC Enterprises with his cousin, Chris Hanna.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, and newborn daughter, Austyn; mother, Diane (Randy) Hanna of Norway; father, Gary (Debbie) Bryant Jr. of Norway; sisters, Nicki (Sean Inglese) Bryant of Kingsford and Brandi Matonich of Norway; brothers, Tyler Laurin of Faithorn, Destin Laurin of Norway and Troy Matonich of Norway; maternal grandmother, Darlene Hanna of Faithorn; paternal grandparents, Gary and Pat Bryant of Faithorn; paternal great-grandfather, John Zahn of Faithorn; mother and father-in-law, Lauri (Alan) Strader of Fairborn, Ohio, and Robert (Laurie Gardipee) Carlson of Kingsford.

He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, including a special cousin who was like a brother, Chris Hanna; and many other special friends.

Derek was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Elmer Hanna; maternal great-grandparents, Richard Crane and Marge Kizer; and paternal great-grandmother, Rose Zahn.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Jeff Gagne will officiate. Burial will be in the Faithorn Cemetery.

A celebration of Derek’s life will take place immediately following the cemetery services at the Longbranch Saloon in Faithorn.

Pallbearers will be Chris Hanna, Mark Hanna, Brandon Street, Kelly Thomma, Tyler Laurin, Destin Laurin, Roger Gunville, Croy Smith, Aron Novak, Ryan Girardi, Jason Zanoni, Michael Dessellier, Troy Matonich, and Sean Inglese.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for Derek’s daughter Austyn will be established at U.P. State Credit Union in Norway.

Donations can be made in the name of Austyn Bryant to U.P. State Credit Union, 601 W. US 2, Norway, MI 49870.

Condolences to the family of Derek Bryant may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.