Jan. 9, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Willard E. Derge, 91, of West Bend, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 9, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on August 10, 1925, the son of the late Rudolph and Myrtle (nee Cole) Derge and on February 3, 1951, was united in marriage to Dolores Hahn at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Theresa.
Willard served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1946 in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Lycoming during World War II. Willard was on the West Bend Police Department for 28 years. He started as a patrolman and over the years was promoted to sergeant and ended his career as a lieutenant. Willard enjoyed playing softball, golfing, ice fishing and most importantly spending time with his family. Dolores and Willard especially loved attending their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s school and sporting events.
Willard was a member of the Allenton American Legion Post #483 for 71 years. He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church – Cedar Lake in the town of West Bend and served on the cemetery committee. Willard also volunteered at the West Bend food pantry.
Those Willard leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 65 years, Dolores; three sons, Mark Derge of San Diego, CA, Randy (Ann) Derge of Green Bay, and Scott (Patti) Derge of Kewaskum; five grandchildren, Nathan Derge, Amanda (Scott) Doane, Ellen (Mike Tomalaff) Derge, Carlin Derge and Joseph Derge; two great-grandchildren, Blake and Rogan Derge; a brother, Lloyd Derge of Jackson, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by a grandson, Ben Derge; two sisters, Virginia (Everett) Schwandt and Evelyn Derge; a brother, Marvin (Joyce) Derge and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Derge.
A Funeral Service for Willard will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church – Cedar Lake, 4115 German Village Rd., West Bend. Rev. Paul Reede will officiate and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The Derge family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church – Cedar Lake are appreciated.
The Derge family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Seasons Hospice and Pallative Care for the wonderful care they provided to Willard.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Willard’s arrangements.