Obituaries

Hugo Derke

Obituary

Hugo Derke, 95, was called home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 25, 2025.

He was born in Weidenbruck, Germany, to Helene (Kolman) and Erich Derke. In 1952, he immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City, where he founded Derke Construction.

In 1956, he married the love of his life, Ingeburg Witzke. In 1963, they moved to Seattle, where they raised their five children, faithfully served their church, and continued building the family business.

Hugo was an exceptional craftsman whose work left its mark from coast to coast—from rebuilding the Williamsburg Church in Brooklyn to remodeling countless homes in Seattle.

A gifted mason and true artisan with stone and brick, Hugo could transform even a pile of broken stones into a work of art, each piece fitting as if it had always belonged. His legacy endures in the many handcrafted fireplaces and structures he created, each a lasting testament to his skill and artistic expression.

Hugo was kind, compassionate and generous. He freely shared his carpentry skills wherever they were needed—especially with widows, the elderly and his church community. One of his greatest joys was serving on mission trips, where he once again put his gifts to work in countries including Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Austria.

Hugo delighted in welcoming friends and family to his table, where laughter and conversation flowed freely. His positive spirit and mischievous humor were charming, and everyone who met him quickly felt like a friend. A man of integrity, he worked hard, never swore, read his Bible faithfully each night, and reserved Sundays for church and a restful afternoon nap.

Hugo was deeply grateful to live in the United States and often reminded others that we have little to complain about, living in peace with food on the table. Every Thanksgiving, he gave thanks for his salvation, and his final request was to be remembered simply as “a sinner saved by grace.”

Hugo is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ingeburg Derke; his sons Bernhard (Taryn) Derke, Walter (Stephanie) Derke, and Herbert (Peggy) Derke; and his daughters Ruth Vera and Vera (Ken) Reidy. He is also survived by his grandchildren Mahela Shaw, Adam (Tara) Shaw and great-granddaughter Isabel, Nebiel (Bria) Shaw, Lily (Carson) Dunham, Graylin Derke, Jennifer (Kurt) Norwood and great-grandchildren Karl and Laura, Allison Derke, Benjamin Reidy, George Reidy, Uneek Maylor and great-grandson Evan, Jeremy Totman, Matthew Derke, and Sierra Derke.

Hugo was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helene and Erich Derke, as well as his brothers Waldemar Derke, Erwin Derke and Georg Derke, and his sister Else Derke. He is survived by his sisters Herta Huber and Hilde Derke.