Arnold "Arnie" Derks

Arnold "Arnie" Derks, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 18, 2026. He was born on November 6, 1935, to the late Arnold Derks Sr. and Agatha (West) Derks.

On February 18, 1956, he married the love of his life, Barbara Derks, beginning a marriage built on love, commitment, and family.

A proud patriot, Arnie honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957. His dedication to service continued throughout his life as an active member of the Marine Corps League. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow veterans and remained committed to supporting those who served. Arnie had a lifelong passion for shooting sports and the outdoors. He served as former president of the Appleton Rifle & Pistol Club and was a member of both the Breed Sportsmen Club and the Suring Sportsmen Club. As a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), he was a steadfast advocate for responsible firearm ownership and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. He was also a successful business owner, owning and operating Fashion Floors and Derks Tile for many years. In his free time, Arnie was a very talented and creative carpenter, enjoyed shooting sports and spending time in the outdoors. Above all else, Arnie cherished his family.

Arnie is survived by his children: Jim Derks and Gary (Judy) Derks; grandchildren: Tara Johnson, Travis (Kari) Derks, Tasha (Jeremiah) Derks, Laura (Levi) Fischer, and Kathy (Casey) VanDehy; great grandchildren: Maverick, Jack, Piper, Zoe, Finley, Meena, Baylor, Jantzen, Levius, and Ezlo, Ilah, and Charles Arnold. He is further survived by many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Barbara Derks; siblings: Robert (Leona) Weyenberg, Eileen (Dennis) Long, Margaret (Daniel) Wallace, Everett (Wanda) Weyenberg, and Dorothy (Arthur) Jahnke; his in-laws: Arthur and Mary Lindauer; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Arthur (Iris) Lindauer, Dorothy (Charles) Sample, and Angeline (James) Schueneman.

A Funeral Service for Arnie will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the Service. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

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