Derek DeGroff

Derek W. DeGroff was transformed into an angel, Thursday evening, February 19, 2015 after being struck by an automobile on Valentine's Day. Derek was born on September 29, 1973 in Sheboygan, WI to Geraldine (Mike) Johnson and Douglas DeGroff. Derek loved the company of his family and friends, especially his father, his "right hand man". He enjoyed riding his bike, roller skating, listening to music, especiall the Grateful Dead (and smokin') and fishing. He worked at Sheboygan Paper Box for many years. If he was ever needed, there was never a question, he was always there. Derek especially loved his cat Baby. Derek is survived by his sister, Jacqueline "Angel" DeGroff (special friend, Monty Rowan); his loved nephews, Monty and Zeke Rowan; loving relatives: four aunts, Sandra (Larry) Jansen, Rosemary Schmitt, "Skeeter" DeGroff, and Sue LaBine; one uncle, Mark Schmitt; cousins, David (Lisa, Sam, Kirsten) Jansen, Jack Daniel (Skyla, Jack) Schmitt, Timmy Vugrinovich, "Buddy" Carpenter, Wade Carpenter, Jeff DeGroff, Timothy DeGroff, Andrew Jack Zeire, "Kimmy" Schmitt, Chrissy (Kaylee) Jansen, Carla (Allana, Natalie) Rios, Gillian (Bob, Jacob, Brinna) Lettre, Tammy Carpenter; Carlene and Mike Prahl's children, Allysa (Ella) and Nicholas. His special friends, Josh (Jenny, Ezekial) Rechtfertig, Noah (Joelle, Charlie, Jack) Rechfertig, Christine (Nicholas) Isferding, Jason Bradstreet, Vicki "His Buddy" Bradstreet-Hall, Matt Hartman, Paul Petta, Tony Gonzalez, Louicia Fanslau, Tara Hook, Tammy (Bianca) Walker; and many, many other family and friends. Derek was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence and Grace Schmitt and Delores and Wilbur DeGroff; two Uncles, Jack Schmitt and Darwin DeGroff; Aunt Mary Schmitt; two cousins, Carlene Jansen and Brandon Muckerheide. A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the KC Hall, 833 Center Avenue, Sheboygan, WI. A time of visitation and support will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Derek's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Johnson and his staff, St. Nicholas Hospital, Matthews Oncology, and Chiro-Health Care for the care and compassion shown to Derek so many times.