Haig Derderian

RACINE – Haig S. Derderian, 72, passed away on December 16, 2025

Haig was born in Milwaukee, WI to Paul and Margaret (Hamparian) Derderian as the oldest of two children. He grew up in Racine and Milwaukee, and he attended Milwaukee School of Engineering and UW Parkside. His career was spent at Wisconsin Small Motors, Inc. in Racine and later, Union Grove. He was known for his abilities and troubleshooting skills as a robotics engineer and was often regarded as a “MacGyver.”

Beyond work, he was an avid bowler in multiple leagues and enjoyed the camaraderie of his teammates as they won trophies and “300” rings in his younger years. He transitioned to marksmanship and competed in rifle and pistol competitions at the national level. The highlight of his year would be the President’s Match for rifle & pistol at Camp Perry, Ohio earning the elite marksmanship award for the 100 top-scoring military and civilian scorers in the country.

Haig will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was an amateur radio enthusiast ever since he was a teenager and made connections with people all around the world. WB9AKM 73 SK.

Haig is survived by his sister, Gay Kazarian (Kaiser); his loving companion, Eileen Kamakian; and cousins, Lucine Debany and Cindy Daderian. Haig is also survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23, at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie St, 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am with Fr. Avedis Kalayjian officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mesrob Armenian Church have been suggested.