Donald Duwayne Derdall

Donald D. Derdall, 95, of Brookings, SD passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at United Living Community, Brookings, SD. Funeral Services have been set for 11:00 am Friday, January 30, 2026 at Lake Campbell Lutheran Church, Volga, SD. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Rude's Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Rude's Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Donald D. Derdall was born February 11, 1930 in Everett, WA to Goodwin and Lois (Converse) Derdall. At the age of 6 the family moved back to the family farm near Flandreau, SD where he lived to adulthood. He was baptized and confirmed at Clare Lutheran Church of rural Flandreau. He attended Smythe country school through 8th grade and then graduated from Egan High School in 1948. He worked on the family farm until proudly serving in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. When he returned home from serving his country on the frontlines, he resumed farming on the family farm.

When the young and handsome soldier returned home from war, he caught the eye of a pretty, young lady at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls, SD. Don married Ardelle Koepp on May 4, 1958. They moved to a farm near Lake Campbell in southern Brookings County where their 3 children were born and raised and where they resided for almost 50 years. They moved to Brookings in the fall of 2007. Ardelle passed away January 2021. Don continued to live in their Brookings home until November of 2024, at which time he moved to Peaceful Pines in Brookings. He loved his apartment and living independently, but he was only able to stay for 10 months. The last four months of his life he resided at ULC where he was loved and taken good care of by the staff.

Don had a passion for farming and was a lifetime farmer, up until the day he died. After moving to Brookings, he eagerly continued to help his son on the farm whenever and however he could. Don and Ardelle were faithful, active members of Lake Campbell Lutheran Church where Don served as a Trustee over the years. His greatest contribution was bravely devouring all the Lutefisk he could at the annual church Lutefisk feeds.

He was very proud of his service to his country. He belonged to the Brookings American Legion Post 74. He also served many, many years on the Fremont Township Board in Moody County. He enjoyed his time being a volunteer at the Brooking County Museum in Volga where he and Rod would be there for visiting hours. He especially enjoyed playing Bingo at Peaceful Pines and then at ULC.

Thankful for sharing his life are his 3 children, David (Glenda) Derdall, Julie (Rod) King & Rhonda Young. 6 grandchildren, Peter Derdall, Volga, SD, Lucas Derdall, Forman, ND, Claire (Chris) Lee, Minneapolis, MN, Faye King (Jegosh John) Seattle, WA, Kenzie (Justin) Lund, Minneapolis, MN, Shelby Young (Matt Glanzer), Sioux Falls, SD. 2 great grandsons Iver Lee & Emmett Glanzer & great granddaughter Glanzer on the way. Step grandchildren Ty King, Denver, CO & Jonah (Tricia) King, Lincoln, NE. Step great grandchildren Leia & Eli King. Brother Wayne (Arlyce) Derdall, Flandreau, SD. Sisters in law Neva Koepp, Vermillion, SD & Trina Derdall, Cape Canaveral, FL. Many special nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Ardelle, sister and brother-in-law Marjorie & Kenneth Wyman, brother Merle Derdall, brother-in-law Vernon Koepp, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Evelyn & Leonard Anderson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Marvin & Char Koepp.