On September 25, 2024, Roy Arthur Derksen of Shoreline, WA, died at Kindred Hospital, Seattle after difficulties from a stroke.
Roy was born in Mountain Lake, MN on October 15, 1944 to Albert J. and Kathryn (Peters) Derksen. At Wheaton College, he met Charlotte Meynink and they married Dec. 27, 1966. Daughter Kathryn was born in 1971 while they taught in Botswana, Africa. Upon their return, he earned an MS in Math Education from Oregon State. Roy taught middle school in Jackson, MN, and daughter Elizabeth was born there in 1974.
The family moved to California in 1979 so Charlotte could work at Stanford University. Roy focused on raising their daughters while also teaching at the College of San Mateo. In 2004, they retired to Seattle, WA to be close to their growing family. Joining Evergreen Mennonite Church, Roy served in many ways, including Church Treasurer, Leadership Council and Worship Committee. Roy was pianist his last Sunday in attendance, September 1, 2024.
Roy’s hobbies include music, stamp collecting, family history, and genealogy. He enjoyed time with his grandkids, from Museum of Flight visits to playing with toys made by grandpa Jacob J. Derksen.
In August 2024, Roy took his daughters and granddaughters, Lotty and Sarah, back to Mountain Lake, to share stories, see the old fam farm, and celebrate his upcoming 80th birthday with many cousins.
Roy is survived by his wife, Charlotte Derksen; daughter, Kathryn Smith Derksen with husband, Dan and their children, Claire, and Jacob; and daughter, Elizabeth Brown with husband Paul, and their children, Charlotte (Lotty) and Sarah. For family contact and donation information: https://www. funerals.coop/obituaries/roy-derksen