Derek Christensen, 1977-2017

Published 1:00 am Friday, December 15, 2017

Derek Dale Christensen, 40, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly in an industrial accident while working as a diesel technician at Republic Services on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Derek was born to Roger and Kathy (Flatness) Christensen on March 19, 1977, in Albert Lea.

Derek Christensen

Derek lived most of his life in Alden. He was baptized and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden. He was a 1995 graduate of Alden-Conger High School. He was united in marriage to Kerri L. De Zwarte on Aug. 3, 2014, in Rock Island, Illinois.

Derek was an incredibly selfless, hardworking man; everything he worked for went first to his family before he ever gave a thought to himself. Derek had a heart of gold, an amazing sense of humor and was very quick-witted and more intelligent than he gave himself credit for. Derek always tried to see the best in whatever situation he was faced with. Derek was a fixer by nature, hence his love for mechanics. He had the most contagious smile that you couldn’t help but return when he flashed it.

Derek was an active member of the Alden Volunteer Fire Department and often missed it when he moved to Bettendorf. Derek was taken from his family way too early doing what he loved. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Derek is survived by his loving wife, Kerri, of Bettendorf; his children Austin of Bettendorf and Sierrah and Blayde of Fitchburg, Wisconsin; parents Roger and Kathy Christensen of Alden; father-in-law, Darrell (Rhonda) De Zwarte; mother-in- law, Deb (Rick) Kingery; brothers Chad (Brandy) Christensen of Red Wing and Shane (Kristine) Christensen of Alden; brother-in-law, Darin De Zwarte; sisters-in-law Kelli and Kasie and their husbands; grandparents Barbara Christensen and Arlene Flatness, both of Albert Lea; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his cousins Tricia Nelson and Stephen Bratrud; uncle, Harlan Christensen; and grandparents Harry Christensen, Kenneth Flatness and Patricia Flatness.

A visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Runge Mortuary and Crematorium in Davenport, Iowa, and from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea with a brief service to follow.

Monetary donations for Derek’s children can be made to the Christensen Fund at First Farmer’s & Merchants Bank in Goodhue.