Derek Whetzel

Derek D. Whetzel, 53, of Grand Forks died Saturday, March 7, 2015 in his home. Derek Donald Whetzel was born on April 25, 1961 in Fargo, ND the son of Donald and Doreen Ann (Engel) Whetzel. He graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1979. Derek married Lori Ann McWilliams on July 16, 1983, they parted ways in 2012. Derek will be forever remembered in our hearts as a proud father, son, co-worker, mentor and a devoted "Papa". Derek's compassion for life touched many. He enjoyed animals and the outdoors and his ambition to hunt, fish, and trap successfully was not only enjoyable for him but to whomever he could teach. His greatest motivations were his children and his grandchildren. He was a devoted "Papa". Derek flourished through life while co-owning L & D's Café business for 24 years. Looking for a slower pace and more family time, Derek started working at American Crystal Sugar in Hillsboro where he was currently employed. Left to mourn his passing are his father, Don Whetzel of Grand Forks; daughter, Kristine McWilliams of Bowman, ND; son, Derek Donald (Kayla)Whetzel, Jr. of Mayville; daughter, Kylie Ann (Wayne Klamm) of Grand Forks; sibilings, DeeAnn (Scott) Peterson of Bismarck, Donn Whetzel of Grand Forks; grandchildren, Mackenzie Gibson, Quinn and Breckin Hansey, Isaiah, Eli and Adalyn Klamm; Uncle, Larry (Aunt, Cindy) Whetzel of Hillsboro and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Dana in 2002 and his mother in 2011. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 1:00 PM in the First American Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7PM in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks. Interment will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Hillsboro, ND.