Richard W. "Dick" Derks

Richard "Dick" Derks

November 13, 1935 - February 5, 2026

Dick Derks, 90, formerly of Kimberly, passed away on February 5, 2026. Following a surgery the previous week, Dick's heart was unable to recover from the strain. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 13, 1935 in Kimberly to the late Joseph and Mary (Buytaert) Derks. He graduated from Kimberly High School in 1954. He was drafted and served in the United States Army in White Sands Proving Ground until being discharged. He then worked at the Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton, where he was the head of shipping and receiving until the company moved to Georgia in 1989. After that he had a couple jobs, including being a parts delivery driver for Bergstrom until his retirement.

He met Shirley Wyngaard at Jerry's Lanes in Kimberly where she charmed him at first sight. He walked past her to leave, and she convinced him to come back in for one more drink. She knew it was true love from their first kiss. He let her drive his corvette, even though she didn't understand what he meant to downshift at the stop sign. They were united in marriage on February 7, 1970. They raised their family in Combined Locks. The memories with neighbors on that small cul du sac will be cherished forever.

Since Shirley got to live "in town" for most of their marriage, it was his turn to have land to tinker on when they moved to the town of Ellington after retirement. With the help of his tractors, Big John and Little John, he had the best lawn and garden in town. He took pride and actually enjoyed mowing their 5 acres. The "back 40" provided an impressive garden. He was so proud to share the bountiful harvest with family and friends. Peaceful Valley, the name of their estate, even housed bee hives which produced the best honey around.

He helped raise his daughters to be self-sufficient. From driving stick to changing tires, annual maintenance on the tractors to tinkering around in the garage and barn, every experience was a learning opportunity. He would not have been able to keep up with all of the outdoor work without Randy, his right-hand man. He had a sweet tooth like no other. His favorites include Shirley's homemade cheesecakes and Aldi peanut butter cups. He never met a chocolate he didn't like. He loved to play cards and games. His twice a week sheepshead group got him out and about. Even at 90 he didn't miss a point counting his cribbage hand. He and Shirley had nightly competitions while watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Dick had eagle eyes when working on jigsaw puzzles, the 1000-piece challenges were his favorite. He enjoyed listening to classic country music and in his final days could recognize the names of songs and artists. Most of all he enjoyed visiting with family and just being together. Many of those memories took place with the Sassman bunch at Lake Metonga in Crandon.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of 56 years; daughter and son-in-law Shari and Randy Kleist; daughter Sara Derks; grandson Riley Kleist and granddog Ladybug; brothers James and Robert Derks, brother-in-law Ken Wyngaard, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his favorite sister, Helen Sassman, and grandson Andrew Kleist. He was also preceded in death by numerous brother- and sister-in-laws and friends.

The memorial service for Dick will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton. A time of Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. For online condolences and a complete obituary please visit www.valleyfh.com

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

With much love and appreciation, the family extends a special thank you to everyone at ThedaCare Appleton for their care for Dick. During his final days on the third floor the nurses and hospice staff treated him with dignity, patience and understanding. We cannot thank you enough for your compassion.