Derek Michael Alby

Derek Michael Alby, 35, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away on May 2, 2025, in Fargo, North Dakota.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. The service to celebrate Derek's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Kristin Ostercamp will officiate. Burial will be at Minerva Cemetery, rural Bagley, MN.
Born on October 16, 1989, in Thief River Falls. Derek is the son of Angela Ann Castle and Judd Allen Alby. He spent his early years in Thief River Falls and at the age of five he moved to Roseau and was baptized at Roseau Community Church. Derek attended Roseau Elementary and graduated from Roseau High School with the class of 2008. While in school, he was on the honor roll, active in the DARE Program, and excelled in football. He later pursued studies at Minnesota State Community College in Moorhead, MN.
Derek worked in various roles throughout his life, including positions with the U.S. Border Services, Digi-Key Electronics, and most recently as a driver for UPS. Though currently unemployed at the time of his passing, Derek remained known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his roles.
Derek was compassionate, intelligent, quick-witted, humorous, soft-spoken, family oriented, and had a passion for pranking those around him.
Derek maintained a deep appreciation for the outdoors throughout his life. Derek had a strong passion for fishing, so it's only fitting that his funeral falls on opening weekend, a time he looked forward to each year. Derek also enjoyed hunting, archery, camping, motocross racing, snowmobiling, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings (he was a man of hope), and especially loved time spent with his family, friends and beloved pets.
In his late teens, he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Derek also struggled with opioid addiction but had successfully completed rehabilitation and recently celebrated his one year sobriety anniversary.
Derek is lovingly remembered by his mother, Angela Castle; his father, Judd (DeAnna) Alby; his brother, Brady (fiancée, Madison Olson) Castle; sisters Kylie (Brevyn) Lingen and Brenna Alby; grandmother, Margaret Syverson; aunts and uncles, Cinda (Joe) Lovato, Kyle (Nicole) Syverson, Shari (John) Breding, Steve (Maria) Alby, Jason (Dawn) Alby, Jared (Krista) Alby, Matt (Lavon) Carpenter; special friend, Britney Grover; beloved pet, Xina; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Warren Syverson, Mary Alby and Ronald Alby; uncles, Greg Syverson and Shane Alby.
May Derek's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and peace to those who mourn his loss.