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Derek Tyson Koelzer

1979 - 2011

Derek Tyson Koelzer obituary, 1979-2011, Reno, NV

BORN

1979

DIED

2011

Derek Koelzer Obituary

Derek Tyson Koelzer

July 4, 1979

December 11, 2011

After a brave and courageous battle with cancer, we lost our Derek on December 11, 2011. He was the life of our family, always kept us laughing and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was the "rock" for all his cousins and will forever live in our hearts. Born in Placerville, CA on July 4, 1979, he graduated from Portola High School in 1997, was a resident of Reno, NV and worked as an architect at Don Mackey Architect for the past 9 years.

Preceded in death by his step-mother, Kay, survived by daughter; Azena, father; Kirk and wife Sue, mother; Robin Setter, brother; Dustin and wife Jamie, nephews; Kirk and Devyn, grandparents; Bill Koelzer, Bob and Joyce Setter and best friend and brother to Russ Lima. The joys in Derek's life was spending time with his daughter and family, playing his guitar, and house boating with his Uncle Craig and Aunt Dianne. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday,12/17/11, at 2pm at Ross, Burke & Knobel Mortuary, 2155 Kietzke Ln, Reno, NV. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made at the St. Jude Children's Hospital, www.stjude.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader on Dec. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Derek Koelzer

Not sure what to say?





Ann Hamill

March 31, 2012

My deepest sympathies to the Koelzer family. For some reason Derek came across my mind today and I found this saddening news. My visits were brief and few with this family but the love and strength they showed will last, forever an inspiration.

Kirsten Gilmore

December 18, 2011

The Keolzer family has brought many lights to my life and Derek was one of them, he will be missed greatly and never ever forgotten. To a great family and great friend...

December 17, 2011

December 17, 2011

December 17, 2011

Lacy Duncan

December 17, 2011

Derek, you were such a big part of my high school journey and we made so many great memories that I will cherish forever! I will always miss you....I can still hear your laughter, makes me smile :) My heart goes out to the entire Koelzer family.

Doug and Heather Key

December 16, 2011

We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your son, brother, husband and father. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you at this time. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Vicki Mackey

December 15, 2011

Derek, I will miss you. Your life was a study in compassion, commitment, and love. You lived your life to the fullest and gave so much of it to others. You were a star and such an inspiration. I will miss your genuine and elfish smile when I would walk into the office. I will miss your inquisitive mind when we would have talks. And I will always remember the commitment that you gave to Donald. I say good-bye with peace and love.

Russell Lema

December 15, 2011

Brother, you were my mentor and confidant in life.. I will forever miss you... Keep Rockin..

December 15, 2011

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever, high school would not have been the same without you. Kirk,Kay and family, my heart goes out to you all. Christa McFall

December 15, 2011

Derek you will be truly missed by all. You were an inspiration to everyone and we will all cherish the memories of you, especially the ones on the houseboat. You made us all laugh so hard that we cried. Words cannot describe the feelings that people had for you. You will be truly missed and forever loved by all. May you rest in peace and never be forgotten. We love you so very much. Mike and Stacy O'Fallon

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