Derek Ellerbeck
March 16, 2012
Derek Ellerbeck, 7, earned his wings on March 16, 2012, at his home with his family by his side.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 19, 2012, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, at the church.
Derek was born November 14, 2004 to Kory and Michelle (Wilwerding) Ellerbeck. He was currently in 1st grade at South Prairie Elementary in Grimes. Derek enjoyed playing soccer and was nicknamed “Rocket Foot.” He had also earned the nickname “Big Guy” from his family. Derek was delighted by Cars, Scooby Doo, Angry Birds, playing video games and riding his go kart. He also had a fascination with duck tape, and never went anywhere without his best friend, “Eagle.” Derek most recently took a trip to Florida with his family, and built castles in the sand.
Survivors include his parents, Kory Ellerbeck and Michelle (John Harryman) Ellerbeck; sister, Jenna Ellerbeck; paternal grandparents, Clifton and Marjorie Ellerbeck; maternal grandparents, Gene and Jan Wilwerding; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Dick and Catherine Voas; and maternal great-grandparents, Melvin and Edna Boll.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Children’s Cancer Connection, Ronald McDonald House, Make a Wish Foundation, or Tori’s Angels.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Linda Johnson
05/10/2012
I'm a Child Life volunteer and met Derek in the Blank Infusion Center.
We'd play, laugh, and sometimes work on his dreaded homework. I just learned of his passing, as I was out of town in March. I'll miss Derek, and my prayers are with you.
Linda Johnson
Cindy & Marty Soper
03/26/2012
Marty & I want you to know how sorry we are to hear about Derek.
We are keeping Derek & all your family in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult
time.
With sympathy
Marty & Cindy Soper
J.P. & J.D. Hemminger
03/23/2012
Michelle: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. J.P. & J.D.
Amanda Elder
03/20/2012
I am one of the Radiation Therapists that helped with Derek's treatments. I just wanted to let you know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed meeting and taking care of Derek he was an amazing boy!
Take care,
Amanda
Kim Ridgley-Nissen, Spencer Iowa
03/19/2012
I never had the oppertunity to meet your wonderful and brave son but heard so much about him through my father Bill Ridgley with Tori's Angels. As I sit here tonight and look up at the stars I know that there is now (1) more angel watching over us all. Please know my heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time.
Robin Matthews
03/19/2012
Dear Michelle and Jenna,
I didn't have the chance to know Derek or the rest of your family but from knowing you both, he had a wonderful mother and sister for his short life here on earth! I am so sorry to hear of your loss and send my sincere condolences! May your memories bring you peace, joy and hope. My family and I will be praying for your continued strength and peace! God Bless you!
Robin Matthews
Kathryn Ellerbeck Link
03/19/2012
Dear Kory, Michelle, Jenna, and to Derek's extended family,
My sister called me today from Des Moines with this sad news. I have read all I can find on the internet about your dear boy and his having had to endure so much. He is safe in the arms of Jesus and will never know pain again. He was sent here to a family who loved him so much. There are no words of comfort except to let you know how much I care. What a beautiful boy. He was such a special gift.
Kathryn Ellerbeck Link
Colville, Washington
Theresa Finken
03/19/2012
May Derek forever dance among the stars and chase rainbows!!
Thinking of you -
Theresa Finken
(From Warren County)
Cerie Garton
03/19/2012
I was so sorriy to hear about Derek. I can't imagine the heartache of losing a child. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shirley Daniels
03/19/2012
Dear Michelle and the entire Ellerbeck Family,
There are times when words just don't seem adequate but I'm sending my heartfelt sympathy to you. Truly you were the best Mommy to Little Derek----I knew from conversations with Tami how very special you are......
Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be staying with you for a very, very long time. May God continue to bless and comfort you, Peace & Love, Shirley Daniels (Tami's mother-in-law)
Judy & Carl Peters
03/19/2012
To Jan & Gene Wilweding,
Michelle, Jenna, Kory
From the day we first learned of Derek's illness from Gene at CDS that lifetime ago, we have been onlookers "Grandparent to Grandparent" as Derek's struggles with cancer played out for him and your entire family. But not just the struggle showed through, there was the strength, attitude, humor and love that was this special Grandson-Derek. The only thing that makes losing him at all bearable was seeing how much pain Jan was in last week because Derek was hurting so terribly, and now he is in heaven, at peace, and that pain is done for him.
May Derek's courage sustain you today and our prayers let you focus on all that love that was shared with everyone that was touched by your very special Grandson.
Dannie and Joyce (Eddy) Francis
03/19/2012
We are so sorry to hear of Derek's passing and send you our deepest sympathy. We are Joe Eddy's parents and had the pleasure of spending time with Derek at their home...what a wonderful little boy...we will keep him and you and your family in our prayers...
John & Jo Anderson
03/19/2012
To Cliff and Marj Ellerbeck and families: Our sincere condolences in the loss of young Derek. May God comfort his presence in his world as you cherish his memories. John and Jo Anderson, (ex-Storm Lakers now at Edgewater om WDM.)
Hugo
03/18/2012
Dear Kory & Michele,
It is impossible to understand these tragic things that come along in this
life, especially when it is one so young, loving, innocent, and beautiful.
Our hearts ache with yours, as we think of Derek, your family, & loved ones. I continue to pray for all of you. We all know that Derek is certainly in the hands of The Creator. With Deep sympathy, Hugo Duarte
Nancy Ross
03/18/2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Derek as a beautiful and brave little boy. Please know so many other people are thinking about you and about Derek, a very special little guy.
Love,
Nancy Ross