Derek L. Krebs

Remembering a Devoted Husband, Father, and Community Member
Derek L. Krebs, age 70, of Nevada, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames of complications from GvHD following a stem cell transplant in 2024 for CMML2 leukemia. Derek was born on June 30, 1955, in Nevada, Iowa, to Vernon Clark Krebs and Beverly Jean French.
Derek graduated from McClintock High School in Arizona in 1973. He continued his education at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).
Throughout his career, Derek demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. He began working at KFC in Ames at the North Grand store, then spent time at 3M in Ames and the main post office in Des Moines. Derek ultimately found his professional home at Ball Plastic, now AMCOR, where he dedicated 29 years of service.
On April 24, 1990, Derek married the love of his life, Cathy Reynolds, at the Living History Farms Chapel of the Land. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, and community service. Derek is survived by his beloved wife Cathy of Nevada, his children Michael Krebs of Altoona, Christopher (Kristen) Krebs of Ankeny, and Mendy Krebs (John Evans) of Nevada; his cherished grandchildren Adam Pendry, Lily Pendry, Olivia Pendry, and Logan Krebs.
Derek was a devoted and active member of Ames First Christian Church. He took pride in caring for the church property, served faithfully as a Deacon, and played a key role in designing the sanctuary renovation. His dedication was recognized with the Good Stewardship Award. Derek also supported Cathy in her involvement with the Ames Noon Kiwanis Club, always willing to lend a helping hand.
Derek enjoyed wood carving, tending his yard, and listening to all types of music. He treasured Friday nights spent with his two sons at the movies and was an avid fan of Iowa State University. Derek found joy in the holiday season, especially Christmas. He enjoyed reading and later developed a fondness for audiobooks. Above all, his family, particularly his grandchildren-were the center of his world.
In addition to his immediate family, Derek is survived by his sisters Desi (Gene) Asklof and Deb (Kevin) Culp; brother-in-law Rick (Jenny) Reynolds; sisters-in-law Carla Klobnak and Patty Corbin; and a loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be held 5:00–7:00 p.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy), Nevada. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at First Christian Church (611 Clark Avenue) in Ames, officiated by Pastor Mary Jane Button-Harrison. Derek will be laid to rest in the columbarium at First Christian Church.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Ames or the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, honoring Derek's legacy of faith and hope.
Derek's memory will live on through the love and kindness he shared with others. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.