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Derrick S. "Duke" Dilley

1972 - 2016

Derrick S. "Duke" Dilley obituary, 1972-2016

BORN

1972

DIED

2016

Derrick Dilley Obituary

Derrick "Duke" Dilley, 44, passed away on June 4, 2016, in Wasilla, Alaska. Duke loved spending time with family and friends, coaching and playing hockey, and was an avid outdoorsman. His world revolved around his daughters, Lexi and Cheyenne. Duke was respected and deeply loved by all for his big heart, family focus and strong work ethic. Duke was born on March 15, 1972, in Beloit, Wis. He served his country as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and received a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Moving to Alaska in 1999, he pursued a career in construction and spent the last 12 years as a Project Superintendent at Quality Asphalt Paving. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Chalet in the Government Peak Recreation Center. All are welcome. He is survived by his two daughters, Alexis and Cheyenne Dilley; his father, Merle Dilley; his mother, Donna Dilley; sisters, Debbie Walker and Deanna Dasko; his brothers, Donald and Dean Dilley; and many loving friends. In lieu of flowers, an account at Wells Fargo has been opened for his daughters: Dilley-Mulhaney Donation Fund, Account Number 9211588182.

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Published by Anchorage Daily News on Jun. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Derrick Dilley

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Rigdon kids

January 28, 2021

Duke was always there for us and he was a great father to Cheyenne and Lexi. Much love, the Rigdon kids.

Kerri Pittman

July 8, 2016

This wonderful man was such a kind-hearted and loving person. His friendship through the many years gave my daughter the experience of what a great father is to his girls and provided a wonderful friendship to me. He included her in their family camping trips and treated her as the special girl she is. Duke, your life will live on with your beautiful daughters and the many friends and family you have will look after them as our own. We love you Duke.

Dan Thorpe

June 25, 2016

What a loss to us all! We all loved Duke Dilley for the Great Person he was!

Dan Thorpe

June 25, 2016

Just received the sad news about Duke from Mr. Jakel. If I had known sooner I would have been there. I feel so sad not seeing your family Duke. Duke was one of the hardest workers I have coached in 34 years of football. At Turner we DO NOT GET TO STATE WITHOUT DUKE DILLEY! He QB the scout team for those two years and got the heck beat out of him from the first team defense. Never did he complain and he loved his role; being Tough and Leader of the "meat squad". I have told this story to my teams and spoke about this at clinic speeches. "You need Duke Dilley's on your team and you better take care of them and I did." In the second State Game no one knew this but Duke and I that I called 929 sweep left and I told Duke "Don't tell anyone in the huddle but DO NOT hand the ball off. I want you to get a touchdown in the State game because you deserve it. So just run the play and act like you missed the handoff and you keep the ball and you BETTER SCORE because we are not going to do this again!" We were thirty yards out and Duke did as he was told (as he would) he kept the ball and scored! Check the film guys! Duke came to the sideline and once again Duke would do. "Thank you Coach!" Gosh what a great QB Name "Duke Dilley!" A very sad day but a day with great admiration to a wonderful person. Miss You Already Duke!! God's Blessing to your family!

Dan Thorpe

June 25, 2016

Just heard the sad news from Mr. Jakel. So upset! Duke was one of the hardest workers I have every coached in 34 years. Our two State appearances were due to many guys like Duke who bought into "team first". He ran the scout team for two years getting beat up often by the seniors/juniors on the scout team offense. NEVER did he complain! I have told this story often and at clinic speeches in regards to taking care of the scout team members in appreciation to their dedication to the team and how "they" made it possible for the team to get to State.In the State game his junior year we were up by many points but I didn't care, Duke was a key reason why we were there at Madison. I wanted Duke to get a touchdown in the State Game! I called 929 sweep left and I told Duke to "NOT TELL ANYONE BUT KEEP THE BALL AND GO RIGHT AND YOU BETTER SCORE BECAUSE IT WILL ONLY WORK ONCE." I am so happy that he scored from about thirty yards out. That one was for you Duke without you, Turner does not get to TWO State Championships! I wish I had known sooner about today's service as I would have been there. What a great QB Name, Duke Dilley! Great memories of Duke and you all!

Chad Whittecar

June 21, 2016

you will be missed Duke

Pierre Trepanier

June 19, 2016

God Bless you Duke. I didn't know you but am sure we would have been friends. Our love and prayers to you all.

June 16, 2016

I will and all of us at Alaskan family Dental Office He always made us smile and laugh. he will be truly missed. Laurie

Bryan Bogle

June 13, 2016

Duke was one of the first officers I met upon taking over a platoon at Ft. Hood in 1997. He was an outstanding officer, friend, and leader. Was truly saddened to hear of his passing. See you on the high ground "Battle 5"...

Dale and Diane Walker

June 12, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to all Duke's family. We shared many good times when our son Darby and Duke were friends in school. We pray that all your wonderful memories will bring you peace and comfort.

Dale and Diane Walker

June 12, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to all Duke's family. We shared many good times when our son Darby and Duke were friends in school. We pray that all your wonderful memories will bring you peace and comfort.

Jill Jennings (Spooner)

June 11, 2016

Duke is a blessing and a beautiful gift from God. What a great friend for me in high school. May the Lord give comfort to you all. My prayers are with you.

Leverette Hoover

June 11, 2016

I had the opportunity to work with Duke for a few years when he first moved to Alaska. He was a great guy! Didn't see him often after he moved on, but when we did, it was like old times. There was always a smile and a good laugh. Can't believe we just talked a few months ago about getting together for lunch....Unfortunately, it didn't happen. RIP old friend, will see you on the other side. "Dukey", as my son who is now in college used to call him, will be missed by all.

The Hoovers

Sue Pete

June 10, 2016

May memories of Duke and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.

June 10, 2016

We are so very sorry for the loss of a wonderful nephew. We'll miss you Duke. "Aunties" Judy & Mary Ellen R.I.P.

Mel Christianson

June 9, 2016

The hockey community will miss Duke for his contributing to the Anchorage community by being a coach and his playing buds.

Michele Miller

June 9, 2016

Thoughts & Prayers to Duke's family.. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Ed & Jane Allen

June 9, 2016

The Allen family sends there condolences to the dilley family in this sad time.
Duke worked with me many years ago and always enjoyed working together in the construction industry . RIP Duke

Jason Squires

June 9, 2016

So sad to hear about your loss. My prayers go out to the family. God has a new angel...

Judy Martinson

June 9, 2016

Nome and its people, will miss Duke! Duke was the rare guy of honesty and get it done spirit! His daughters were his life and he showed it! What a great tribute to Duke. We look forward to seeing him further down the road. xo Doug & Judy Martinson

Lauren/ Joe Zimmerman/ O'Day

June 9, 2016

Peace and prayers be with you all

Heather Schomber

June 9, 2016

Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Duke always had the best smile and the biggest heart. Memories of high school that I will treasure forever. Praying for you all~
Heather Hansen Schomber

Antonina & Gene Kamholz

June 9, 2016

Very saddened to hear of Duke's death. He was a good guy to everyone! For that, he will be remembered. May God be with his daughters and family during this difficult time. Heaven has gained an angel. Peace be with him and his family. He'll be missed.

Jim McDonough

June 9, 2016

I had the great pleasure of becoming friends with Duke while we attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering long ago. We later worked together for several years after he moved the family to Alaska. Although we fell out of touch in recent years, I always considered Duke a true friend. And I can say this with certainty: the world is a lesser place without Duke in it. Rest in Peace, my brother.

Victor Church

June 9, 2016

So sorry for such a great loss!! I know that things are hard right now but knowing the family and the strength they have, they will be able to support one another during this difficult time. We will be praying for the whole family!! God Bless!

Sarah Gostisha (Levi)

June 9, 2016

Hugs and Prayers to Duke's family, so many fond memories of our high school days. He will be missed by many. RIP Duke.

Connie and Dennis Walden

June 9, 2016

Our hugs and love to you Lexi and Chey and to all other family and friends. Duke was a good friend to our son Bob and a good fun loving person. Our thoughts and prayers be with you all.

Lisa Deadmond (Brotkowski)

June 8, 2016

I am very sorry for the loss of your Son/Father/Brother/Uncle Duke! My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. I want to also say how Duke was a very kind and genuine person. He always had that amazing smile on his face! Rest in Peace my friend.

Dennis Longmier

June 8, 2016

We are so sorry toto hear the news of Dukes passing.We just heard about it from Jodi. May God be with you all!!!

Mark & Sandy Lappi

June 8, 2016

Dearest friend you are so loved and will be terribly missed! Our hearts and prayers go out to Lexi, Chey and the rest of your family. RIP Duke, we love you.

Ron DeFauw

June 8, 2016

Our sincere sympathy to the Dilley family our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mike Tuminella

June 8, 2016

I worked with Duke many years ago. What a terrific person. Always friendly and fun to be around. My condolences to the family

Rachel Lukich

June 8, 2016

So deeply saddened to hear about Duke's passing. He grew up spending time with my younger brother, and he was such a kind, considerate, respectful person. My condolences to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Duke. The world has lost another beautiful soul.

Phyllis Hendricks

June 8, 2016

My deep heartfelt prayers and thoughts to my family members during this time of deep grief and sorrow. Dukes spirit will live on in each of you and all of us...his light can never be put out. Go rest high up on that mountain my cousin! I love you!

Tonya Hrobsky

June 8, 2016

Many hugs and prayers to the whole family.
He was such a great guy to know in school.
Such a big heart always there to help you out , and a big smile to go with it !

Sincerely
Tonya Hamblin/ Hrobsky

Brady Burk

June 8, 2016

Duke was a kind soul and I an proud to say that we were friends. I will always remember our high school wrestling days. RIP Duke.

Jim Winchester

June 8, 2016

Rest in peace my friend. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Scott McKillips

June 8, 2016

Hugs and Prayers to all of Duke's family and friends. I will hold tight the memories of a good friend....... RIP Duke

Curt Rose

June 8, 2016

Prayers for his family and friends in this time of loss. I haven't seen Duke since high school, but have fond memories of him and our time together growing up.

Jill Singer (Buchs)

June 8, 2016

Many great memories with Duke growing up in the Turner school district. Can't say enough about his genuine, kind personality. He left a positive impression on me many years ago that will always be admired and remembered.
Rest in Peace.

Annette Piranio

June 8, 2016

Hugs and Prayers to the Dilley family. Many amazing memories with Duke from Kindergarten on. May he rest in peace.

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