"Pete" Melbourne L. Derks

“Pete” Melbourne L. Derks, age 76 of Fremont, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the Gerber Memorial Health Services in Fremont. Pete was born on November 4, 1932 in Fremont to George and Hattie (Klomp) Derks and met and later married Sandra Olson on October 10, 1959 in Fremont. Pete has been a lifelong resident of Fremont and was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church. Pete was one of the best fast pitch softball pitchers in Fremont and had played for the Muskegon Red Seals and on the Heyboer baseball team and had traveled to the state finals several times and won the championship 3 times. His love of baseball continued in Fremont and he coached little league baseball in Fremont for 18 years. Pete has delivered milk in West Michigan for over 53 years and owned and operated Derks Dairy Foods for the past 37 years until his retirement on July 5, 2009. He truly enjoyed working and visiting with his customers and was always willing to help anyone out in a time on need and asking nothing in return. Pete cherished the time he spent with his family and very proud of all his grandchildren. Pete served in the United States Army Military Police during the Korean War.

Pete is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra of Fremont; his son, Jeff (Pam) Derks of Fremont and their children, Amber, Ashley (Darmon); and Zach; his daughter, Lorie Plank of Cedar Springs and her children, Jeffrey, Aiyana, Jared; his brothers and sisters, Verne (Evelyn) Derks of Fremont; Bob (Mary) Derks of Fremont; Betty Hallmeyer of Fremont; Ken Derks of Fremont; Judy (Wilbur) Karp of Fremont; Marlene (A.L.) Karnemaat of Fremont; Gary (Fran) Derks of Fremont; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike Derks, Weldon Derks, Irwin Derks and Milan Derks; his nephews, Al Derks and U.S. Army Specialist Brian Derks.

VISITATION : Thursday, July 9, 2009 from 2-4 & 6-8 at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICES : Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11am at the First Christian Reformed Church in Fremont. INTERMENT : Bridgeton Township Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : American Cancer Society or Fremont Christian School. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Derks family online at www.crandellfh.com.

Dear Jeff and family,

Our sincere sympathies and prayers are extended to you following the death of your beloved husband, father and grandfather.

We will keep you all in our prayers,

Sincerely,

Russ and Barbara Weeks

Posted 7/6/2009

To the families of Pete Derks:

We have known Pete and his family, also his siblings, for so many years. We were surprised to hear of his passing. We are so very sorry. We always looked forward to seeing Pete driving his truck through town or parked behind a restaurant where he would be having coffee or a lunch. He was a great guy and will be missed.

You have our prayers and sympathy.

Arnold and Mildred Woodring

Posted 7/6/2009

Jeff, Pam and families, We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Hang on to your many memories. Sincerely Ninajo and Jimmy Wallace

Ninajo Wallace

Posted 7/7/2009

We're very sorry to hear about Pete. May God watch over all of you at this time. Please accept our condolences.

Gary & Phyllis Lattin

Sandy and Family,

We love you and are thinking of you every day. Pete will be missed by so many.

Pam and TA

To the Derks family

I was sorry to hear about Petes passing.I will miss seeing him at the middle school delivering milk for the passed 18yrs that I have been there .

Lois Millis

To the families of Pete Derks:

Bonnie and I are so sorry for your loss.

John & Bonnie Woodring

Jackson, Michigan

Posted 7/10/2009