Derek DeChand

1953 - 2024

Derek DeChand
March 7, 1953 - November 7, 2024
Derek DeChand, aged 71, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024, at Central Washington Hospital with his wife by his side. Born on March 7, 1953, in Wenatchee, to Ed and Janet DeChand, he was the oldest of four children and spent his early years in South Wenatchee. He was a 1971 graduate of Wenatchee High School. After graduation, in 1972, he joined the Navy where he was an airman stationed in Pensacola, FL until 1975.
He married the love of his life, Debbie Steffen, on October 29, 1977, in Wenatchee. He became a proud resident of Stemilt Hill where he managed, and later owned, a cherry orchard. As a young adult, he enjoyed playing softball as a slow-pitch pitcher and playing in pool league with his dad and brother. He loved traveling in his RV and going on many trips with family and friends. In recent years, he also enjoyed riding his e-bike with Debbie, and taking family and friends for drives in his side-by-side. His family was his biggest passion. Derek always had the ability to make anyone smile and had the friendliest and most forgiving heart.
Derek was preceded in death by his father, Ed DeChand. He is survived by his wife, Debbie DeChand; his children, Diana Pieratt (Zach) and Devon Kiedrowski (Kelby) and four grandchildren, Emma, Elsie, Finn, and Sawyer; his mother, Janet DeChand; a younger brother, Gregg DeChand (Cheryl); two younger sisters, Denice Stewart (Stan) and Gloria DeChand (Carl Keen); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to Sage Hills Church, 1601 5th Street Wenatchee, WA, at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, to reminisce and honor the life of Derek. There will be a reception following the service at the Kiedrowski residence on Stemilt Hill for anyone that would like to attend.