Patrick Derner

A funeral service for Patrick Derner, age 78, of Okoboji, will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, June 17, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by American Legion Post #384, of Milford, Iowa. A visitation will be held Sunday, June 16, 2024, beginning at 3 pm, with the family present from 3-5 pm, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford.

Patrick Marvin Derner was born March 31, 1946, to Marvin Derner and Loretta Kisch Derner in Spencer, Iowa. He spent his childhood on the family farm southwest of Milford, Iowa, attended St. Joseph Catholic School through 8th grade, and graduated from Milford High School in 1964. Patrick was the oldest of seven children, and at a young age learned the value and satisfaction of working with soil and livestock. These experiences formed a solid work ethic which Pat carried with him his entire life. Following graduation, Pat worked a short time at Chicago O’Hare International Airport before entering the United States Air Force and serving in San Antonio, Texas, and Osaka, Japan, where he also attended Sophia University in Tokyo. Upon his return, he farmed and raised livestock west of Milford and on the family farm. On March 3, 1973, he married Lynne Gould of Fostoria, Iowa, and together they raised two children, Eva and Isaac. They later divorced. 

In his youth and beyond, Pat possessed an independent spirit and a drive to succeed. From playing high school football, to working the fields through the night, he was determined to finish any task he encountered. Pat loved agriculture and was an excellent farmer. His happiest times were working at the feedlot and planting and harvesting. Later he also worked for Kardell Trucking for a number of years until his retirement and then did trucking of cattle and feedstuffs for the feedlot. Pat had many additional interests throughout the years. A private pilot, he enjoyed flying, and he kept current in world events and always reveled in discussing them and sharing his ideas. Through the years Pat pursued endeavors in alternative crops, hydroponics, quality water treatments, and advanced energy programs. He enjoyed reading and travel, especially to Colorado and New Mexico. Pat had a gift of service to others. A mechanic, carpenter, gardener, and all-round handyman, Pat was always ready to help out with projects at his children’s and grandchildren’s homes. Spending time with his family as well as his loving partner of eleven years, Diane, was a priority for him. He cherished Twins baseball games with Isaac; coffee and treats with Eva; long drives and nature walks with Diane; and times spent with his grandsons fishing or doing chores at the farm. Pat was unstoppable in his energy for appreciating life and for dedicated work throughout his years.

On June 9, 2024, Pat passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls surrounded by his family after a brief, unexpected battle with a severe and aggressive cancer. He is survived by his partner Diane Heggestad; daughter Eva Kar (Burak) of Milford; son Isaac of Port Charlotte, Florida; grandsons John and William Obenour, of Milford; brothers Tim and John of Milford and Dan of Papillion, Nebraska; sister Nancy Jones of rural Spencer; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his father Marvin, mother Loretta, and brothers Bill and Mike.

Pat and his unique personality will be missed by many. He lived a bold, strong life that ended too soon.