George H. Derks

George H. Derks, 80, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary’s Campus, Rochester, MN. George was born on April 14, 1937, in Boyd, WI, a son to Henry and Verona (Wagner) Derks. He graduated from McDonnell High School in 1955, served in the National Guard, devoted his first half of his life to his children, Deidra, Michael, and David. He married the love of his life, Joann Zwiefelhofer-Ruff, in June 11, 1994, and they shared their 24 years together in Eau Claire. George was a member of the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council 1257, where he served as a Grand Knight. He is survived his wife, Joann; his children, Deidra (Don) Eaton, Michael (Rebecca) Derks, and David (Elizabeth) Derks; her children, Cheryl Rubenzer, Gina Ruff, Dwight (Vicki) Ruff, and Robert (Brenda) Lindner; grandchildren, Katie (Marc) Youngberg, Mignon, Tyler (Alexis), Nicole, Ashley, Dylan, and Lyla Derks, Brooke (Josh) Baier, Zachary (Mae) Rubenzer, Aaron (Sharon) and Evan Ruff, Faith and Cecily Lindner; and nine great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Helen Bowe, Kathryn (Neil) Haselwander, Joyce (Robert) Rogalski, Ted (Linda) Derks, and Mary Riley; sisters-in-law, Henrietta Derks and Dale Derks; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. George is preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Delores (Arthur) Connor, Verona (Ronald) Poirier, and Rose Marie; brothers, Norman, James, and John Duane; brother-in-law, Luke Bowe; stepdaughters, Stacy Lindner and Becky Ruff. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 5, 2018, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St, Eau Claire, with Father Paul Hoffman officiating. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place in North Catholic Cemetery in Bloomer with Military Honors conducted by the VFW & American Legion of Bloomer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Olaf Men’s Club, where George was a member.

Service Information

Cemetery

North Catholic Cemetery

Bloomer WI

Visitation

Monday, February 5 2018
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Olaf Catholic Church

Mass

Monday, February 5 2018
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Olaf Catholic Church