Obituaries

Ingeburg Derke

Obituary

Ingeburg Derke (née Witzke), 95, was called home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 21, 2025. 

She was born on December 21, 1929, in Radislalow, Poland, to Helene (Kaczkowski) and Benjamin Witzke. Inge grew up on a small farm in a loving family, surrounded by music, books, shared faith and the natural beauty of the countryside. Reminiscing about her childhood brought her much joy. 

As a young girl, she gave her life to Christ, a decision that sustained her through her years. After enduring many hardships during the war, she settled in West Germany. In 1948, she joined the Tabea sisterhood for nursing school in Hamburg, where she became a nurse and began a lifelong calling of caring for others. In 1953, she immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, along with her mother and siblings.

In 1956, she married the love of her life, Hugo Derke, and joined him in New York City, where they started a family and established Derke Construction. In 1963, they moved to Seattle, where they continued building both their family and livelihood. Inge was a devoted wife and mother who spent her days caring for their five children. She also managed the bookkeeping for the family business and worked as a housekeeper.

She built close and lasting friendships with other women from Germany as they helped one another find their way in a new country. Though no longer employed as a nurse, she continued caring for others, singing to babies in the church nursery and later visiting the elderly with her friends for prayer and companionship. She was committed to serving others and being the hands and feet of Jesus in her community.

Inge was curious, often staying up late absorbed in documentaries, biographies, maps, and encyclopedias. She loved gardening, watching birds, tracking the sunrise and sunset, and listening to music. Beloved for her hospitality, she delighted in gathering friends and family around her table. Her home-cooked meals were legendary. Oma’s pancakes, served one at a time, were a special treat. A gifted storyteller, she shared her life experiences with warmth and humor, cherishing the laughter and joy of time together. 

She will be remembered as a loving mother who supported her children throughout their lives and doted on her grandchildren, ever grateful for her devoted husband and for her life in the United States. Above all, Inge loved the Lord, trusted His promises, and rested her hope in Christ.

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

Inge was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Hugo Derke; her mother and father, Helene and Benjamin Witzke; as well as her brothers Leo Witzke, Eli Witzke, Bruno Witzke and Horst Witzke, and her sisters Felicitas Witzke and Hannah Schmah.