Alice Derke

   Alice Lucille Derke, age 88, was born in Frazee MN on July 24, 1936, to Violet Frank. She was raised in Evergreen Township on the Frank Farm until Violet married George Palmer and they relocated to the Palmer Farm. Her sisters Janice, Joyce, Karen and brother Dennis rounded out the Palmer family. Alice was baptized and confirmed in her faith at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Frazee. 

   Alice attended a one room schoolhouse in Evergreen township until she continued her education at Frazee High School where she graduated in the class of 1955.  

  When she was 13 years old, she fell in love with William (Bill) Otto Derke. They were engaged when she was 16 years old and married on August 25, 1956. They would have married sooner however Bill was enlisted in the Army for 2 years during the Korean war. They were married for over 52 years. 

   Alice and Bill made their home in Fergus Falls MN where they welcomed their children Scott and Susan. Bill’s job transferred them to various locations and Alice lovingly helped make each location into a home. They lived in Great Falls MT, Mandan ND, Huron SD, Watertown SD, Houston TX, Jackson MS, Downers Grove IL, Naperville IL, Racine WI and after retirement West Fargo ND. 

   Alice held several jobs throughout her career including a retail sales associate at Blandings Department Store Detroit Lakes MN, recorder of land titles and abstracts at Ottertail County Abstract in Fergus Falls MN, article typist at the Fergus Falls Daily Journal in Fergus Falls MN, school secretary in Great Falls MT, Bismarck ND, Naperville IL, product manufacturing in Huron SD and Johnson & Johnson in Racine WI.

   Alice’s favorite job was being Grandma and Great-Grandma. Her hobbies included dancing, ceramics and making sequined embroidered felt Christmas stockings and decorations. Alice loved to travel and went with Bill on the road during his career. They traveled throughout the United States especially the Midwest and Western states as well as to Australia. She also enjoyed traveling with her daughter Susan and her family. Her son Scott was one of her Casino gambling partners.   

   Alice was preceded in death by the love of her life her husband Bill, her mother Violet, her father George, her brother Dennis as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

   Left to morn are her son, Scott (Laura) Derke, daughter Susan Derke Anderson, Grandchildren Cory Derke, Cassie (Luke) Zuelke, Nathan (Bryanna) Zander, Derek (Samantha) Anderson, Benjamin (Ashley) Anderson, Gina (Ethan) Rasmuson. Great Grandchildren: Lake Zuelke, Aspyn Zuelke, Weston Anderson, Juniper Rasmuson, Emma Anderson. Siblings Janice (Tom) Tupper, Joyce Palmer, Karen Palmer. Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and family friends.   

Visitation: Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Interment: Private family burial at Lakeside Cemetery, Frazee, MN at a later time.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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