Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Derr Obituary
Born in 1941, Jack was a 1959 graduate of Frederick High School and a 1963 graduate of the University of Maryland. Jack was a Maryland State Senator for 16 years, from 1983 to 1998, and if you knew Jack, he was an extremely proud Marylander (Go Terps!), an infamous jokester, a committed church and community leader, and an avid golfer.
Surviving are four children: David J. Derr (Martha) of Gig Harbor, WA; Elizabeth Derr Schultz (Matthew) of Anchorage, AK; Andrew M. Derr (Kelly) of Middletown, MD; Amy Derr Hodges (John) of Bristow, VA; and 15 grandchildren, from Maryland and Virginia to Missouri and Washington, and all the way up to Alaska.
The funeral service will be Friday January 16th at noon eastern and will be live-streamed from Park Rapids, MN. The service can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@HubbardUnitedMethodistChurch/streams
John W "Jack" Derr
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Derr
Sponsored by Cease Family Funeral Home - Park Rapids.
4 Entries
Theresa Adams
January 17, 2026
I will always be grateful to Senator Derr for his help in awarding me a grant in law school to pay for my books. I was a young mother living in Frederick and attending law school in Baltimore. I have had a wonderful career in the law. My sympathies to his family.
John Jaffee
January 13, 2026
I first met Jack shortly before he began serving in the Maryland State Senate, while we were both associated with Frederick Underwriters. It was always a special day when we had a chance to talk, and I cherish the friendship we shared. It has been many years since our paths crossed, but knowing Jack was a true privilege.
Joy and family. I hope your fond memories and the support of family and friends help you through this sorrowful time.
Joanne Chantry
January 11, 2026
Joie Derr Chantry I loved my brother dearly and love you, his family, very, very much also.
How you can show support
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in John Derr's name
Memorial Events
for John Derr
Funeral services provided by:
Cease Family Funeral Home - Park Rapids710 West 1st Street, Park Rapids, MN 56470
People and places connected with John
Frederick, MD
The Frederick News-Post
Recent Obituaries
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Derr's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
