Derek Merrill Drecksel

On September 21, 2025 at 10:10 a.m. Derek Merrill Drecksel left this earth for a new  life filled with renewal and a promise of a new beginning... the first day of new tomorrows that are shining, bright and clear.  

Derek was born July 16, 1958 in Ogden, Utah and was welcomed into the home of Lewis Merrill Drecksel and Donna Jean Hill.  He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He attended West High School.  He was a skilled Hod Tender.  It was said of him that "he could read the wall".  He worked on the University of Utah Hospital along with several other large buildings in Utah and Steamboat Springs, Co.  

He loved his siblings and was protective of them.  Always willing to help others and made friends easily with those he came in contact with.  He especially loved Motocross and won trophies in various competitions.  This brought him tremendous pride and self achievement.  

Derek struggled throughout his life with severe medical illness.  He also had hard physical challenges as well.  A workplace fall from a three story building resulted in many surgeries and the loss of sight in one of his eyes.  In later years he developed Parkinson's disease.  

Derek is survived by his mother, Donna; siblings, Wendy Drecksel, Jason (Becky) Drecksel, Christian Drecksel, Burke (Meg) Drecksel and Valerie (Henning) Jensen.  Derek also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis.  

Derek was a little lost child who needed someone to take care of him because of the devastating disease that found a place in his persona.  At times it sprang out fiercely taking his life over.  At other times his sweet and tender soul came out.  

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Edison Ward, 1401 W 700 S, Salt Lake City, Utah.  There will be a viewing prior to the service from 11:00m - 11:45 a.m. at the same location.  Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah following the service. 

Dear Derek, 

Five days old you came to my eager arms baby boy, beautiful, and perfect - God was good!  How I had yearned for you. My arms once empty now filled with joy, filled with you - God was good.  Again now, my aching heart and arms around you for the last time - you had completed your stay on earth. You slipped away even though I was holding you close to my aching heart.  You were on your way back that God, who 67 years ago had so graciously sent you to me.  

Love, Mother