Derek Andrew Siela

Derek Andrew Siela, age 55, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on January 29, 2026. He was born on March 24, 1970, in Rensselaer, Indiana, to Ted Siela and Elizabeth "Beth" (Nagel) Marcin.

Derek graduated from William Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois, with the Class of 1988. He went on to attend Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.

He built a career in the restaurant and catering industry, serving in management roles for many years. Most recently, Derek was employed at the Columbus Museum of Art. He was of the Catholic faith. Derek was an avid reader and was a proud recipient of the National Merit Scholarship and a Wittenberg Scholarship. An active and curious spirit, Derek loved soccer and played rugby during his college years. He also enjoyed gaming, including Dungeons & Dragons, hiking, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Beth Marcin of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; his sister, Leah (Timmy) Lenz of Iowa City, Iowa; his niece and nephew, Caitlin Marie Lenz and Elias "Eli" Lenz; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded by his father, Ted Siela, grandparents, Harold and Peg Siela and Louis and Marie Nagel, and his uncle, Phillip Nagel.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. CT at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rensselaer will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association