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
Kathy Nicolino
03/18/2012
Deepest sympathy to you all. I met Derek at the Infusion Clinic at Blank Hospital where I am a Child Life Volunteer. He was a joy to be around and play with. I will miss Derek, My prayers are with Derek and all of your family as you endure the days ahead.
Lyn Wells
03/18/2012
To my Cousin's Family,
My deepest thoughts and prayers are sent to you. I have followed Derek's journey through the Care Pages. He always looked happy and hopeful - giving us his joy throughout his care. May peace be with you as he continues to be in God's care. His angel has risen...
Dale Engelken
03/17/2012
Kory, Michelle, Jenna and family - I am sorry to hear about the loss of Derek. He and your family will be in my prayers. Derek was an awesome boy!
Joe
03/17/2012
So sorry for your loss. Please know that people all over are keeping you in their thoughts.
Jennifer Seemiller
03/17/2012
Didn't personally know Derek. Only thru Howard and Cindy. My prayers are are with the family at this most difficult time. He seemed like a beautiful boy that touched alot of people.
SANDRA ESPINOZA/ COUSIN OF LISA O
03/17/2012
TO THE ELLERBECK FAMILY-------YOU DONT KNOW ME BUT WANT TO TELL YOU THAT I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR BEATUIFUL BUT YET HANDSOME LITTLE MAN AND MAY HE FLY THOSE BEATUIFUL WINGS IN HEAVEN AND FLIRT WITH THE OTHER ANGELS WITH THOSE BIG BEATUIFUL EYES. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND MAY YOU FIND PEACE ON YOUR LOSS::((
rob Artley
03/17/2012
Dear Cory, Michelle, Jenna and the entire family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ron and Kathy Paulsen
03/17/2012
We are heartbroken over Derek's passing. We never had the opportunity to meet him, but his smiling face in all the pictures I have seen told us what a happy, sweet boy he was. Please know that we are thinking of and praying for you all.
Ron, Kathy, Zach and Emma Paulsen
Bob & Juanita Kiesel
03/17/2012
It is said that God wants beautiful flowers for his garden and now has added another one. We are so sorry of your loss and pray for comfort and peace. Bob & Juanita Kiesel
Mandy Gard
03/17/2012
Dear Ellerbeck Family --
We got to know Derek as he was on the same baseball team as our son a few years back and also in Mrs. O's 1st grade class this year. Derek is a special little boy and all the angels in Heaven will take care of him. We are thinking of your family and are sad for the pain you are going through. Please let all of our thoughts and prayers give you strength.
The Gard Family
The Klaus Family
03/17/2012
Michelle, John & Jenna,
Derek will be sorely missed! Derek was an amazing little boy, and great little buddy for Morgan and Gavin. Gavin has often commented that he was his "Favorite Best Man." Our heart-felt sympathy is with you all as we pray for your continued strength through this difficult time.
Thinking of you and your family,
Jon, Shannon, Morgan, Gavin & Owen Klaus
Don and Beth Fink
03/17/2012
Dear Ellerbeck family,
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Carita has been keepin us informed via facebook and we know there have been many prayers being sent up for ALL of you. Little Derek IS in Heaven and out of all pain, but we can't begin to imagine the pain YOU, his family are going through. Our prayers will remain with you during the difficult days ahead.
With much love,
Don and Beth Fink
LaVonne Ankrum
03/17/2012
I enjoyed working with Derek when he came to TCC3.He was a very loving boy. I had him the 3 year old and 4 year old room with Ms.Sharleen. He will deeply be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless all you in your time of sorrow.
Debra Cook
03/16/2012
So beautiful HE must be in HIS Angel Wings....God Bless HIS family and friends
Bill&Kathi Whittaker
03/16/2012
We never had the pleasure of meeting Derek in person,but know all about him through the southernmost coconut castaways and the pictures on facebook. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family at this sad time.