Derreck Tibiatowski

Derreck James Tibiatowski, 32, Grand Forks, ND, passed away Saturday, June 10th, 2017, of complications following cancer surgery at Altru Hospital surrounded by his family. Derreck, the son of Galen Tibiatowski and Elizabeth Roman, was born on March 8th, 1985 in Fargo, ND. He was raised in West Fargo, ND, Elk River, MN, and Grand Forks, ND, where he graduated from Red River High School. Derreck was a resident of Development Homes in Grand Forks and also spent much of his time participating in the day program activities at the nearby Listen Center.  He had many friends who cared about him at both locations. Derreck was quite the prankster and loved to joke around. His smile lit up a room and he had an infectious laugh like no other! Derreck loved baseball, was a huge Minnesota Twins fan and his favorite player was Kirby Puckett. He spent countless hours watching his favorite DVD of the 1991 World Series. Derreck also loved music, dancing, painting, the outdoors, driving Dad's boats, and fishing. Some of his most favorite times with his family included reading newspapers and roughhousing with his Dad, snuggling with his Mom in the rocking chair while watching baseball, and playing piano or hide and seek with his big sister. Words cannot express our family’s heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support that was received during these past several weeks. We would like to thank the medical team at Altru Hospital for the excellent treatment and care that Derreck received while he was there. We also thank all of Derreck's friends that came to visit, held his hand, encouraged him (and us as well), brought flowers, balloons, and donations of food while we were with him in the hospital. We are so grateful for the stories and fond memories of Derreck that you shared with us! In addition, a special thank you to Derreck's nurse, Justine, at Development Homes. We cannot thank you enough for your dedication and support to Derreck over the past years, and more recently, to his whole family. We are also grateful for the spiritual teams at Altru and Hope Church.Your visits? and words of support brought our family comfort during this difficult time. May God bless you all! Derreck is survived by his parents, Galen (Dawn) Tibiatowski, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, and Elizabeth (Robert) Roman, East Grand Forks, MN; sister, Jessica Tibiatowski, Minneapolis; step-grandparents, Doris Klippenstein, and Elvin (Barb) Klippenstein, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Derreck was preceded in death by his grandparents and his Uncle, Terry Tibiatowski. Memorial Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Hope Covenant Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be held during the hour before the service in the church To honor Derreck and his passion for baseball, his family invites attendees to feel free to wear Minnesota Twins clothing and apparel.