Theodore “Ted” L. Derks, 78, of Chippewa Falls, passed away Thursday, August 14th, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Ted was born on January 26th, 1947, in Stanley, son of the late Henry and Veronica (Wagner) Derks.  He graduated from McDonell Central Catholic High School class of 1965. Ted was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 where he served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968. 

Ted married Linda Zwiefelhofer on May 2nd, 1970, at St Paul Catholic Church, Bloomer. Ted and Linda moved to Chippewa Falls in 1972, where they became members of Notre Dame Parish.  He was a devoted and faithful member of the church.

He was lifetime member of the Bloomer VFW Post 6175 and a member of the Bloomer American Legion Post 295.  After successfully completing the necessary steps, he earned the significant achievement of the VFW white cap. In May 2024 Ted fulfilled his dream of going on the Freedom Flight to Washington DC with his daughter, Melinda as his guardian.

Ted learned his carpentry skills from a young age, working alongside his father. He began his career at UBC in Bloomer, and shortly thereafter and until retirement worked for Haselwander Bros. If you ask him though he really worked for his wife and her to do list, which was never ending. Ted was always willing to help his nieces and nephews with any carpentry job or anything else they would need. 

He was a big fan of the Packers and Brewers and passed along his love of both teams to his daughters.  You could often find Ted in his down time, teaching his daughters how to catch, throw, bat all with colorful commentary.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Linda of Chippewa Falls; 2 daughters, Melinda Derks of Chippewa Falls, Michelle (Graham) Hicks of Rocklin, CA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Paige, Daniel, Scott, Andrew and Gabrielle, who he deeply loved and cherished; siblings Kathryn (Neil) Haselwander and Mary Kay Riley and sisters-in-law Joann Derks, Dale Derks and Diane Ruiz and brother-in-law Bob Rogalski; In-laws James and Marion Zwiefelhofer, Diane Satter, Barb and Rudy Edwards and Kathy and Fred Langman. Further survived by 25 nephews and 29 nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Verona and his in-laws Frank and Ellen Zwiefelhofer, also by his siblings and their spouses: Norman and Henrietta Derks, Helen and Luke Bowe, George Derks, Rose Marie Derks, Verona and Ronald Poirier, Dolores and Art Connor, Joyce Rogalski, James Derks, and John Duane Derks.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, Chippewa Falls. Rev. David Nowicki will be the celebrant of the funeral Mass. Entombment will be in the Hope Mausoleum.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, August 18 and from 9 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Horan Funeral Home, Chippewa Falls.

There will be a Christian Vigil Service at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Dr Dettbarn and the caring staff of Heartland Hospice. The family also extends special thanks to all the wonderful friends, family and acquaintances that have supported Ted during his final journey. There are not enough words to express our deep appreciation.

Family prefers Memorials in Ted’s name to Bloomer Area Veterans Center

GO PACK GO.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for Theodore “Ted” L. Derks were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

Rev. David Nowicki was celebrant of the funeral Mass assisted by Mass servers, Henry and Jack Leavens and Mark Birrittella. Entombment was in Hope Mausoleum in Chippewa Falls. Military rites were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Music during the Mass was provided by Beth Martinek and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Sarah Conner and Amy Leavens. Gift bearers were Ann Mitchell and Gabrielle Tillman.

Casket bearers were Loren Bowe, Dennis, Doug and James Derks, Joe Haselwander, Jim, Keith and Mark Poirer.

Monday evening Rev. Daniel Sedlacek led the family, relatives and friends in a Christian vigil service at the funeral home.