Obituary of Franciscus Johannes Derksen

April 18, 1927 - Denekamp, Netherland
September 23, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Frank Derksen, beloved husband of Ida Derksen (nee van Ham), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at the age of 94 years.

Frank was born in Denekamp, Netherlands in 1927. At the age of seventeen, he joined the Dutch Army. Three years later, in April of 1953, he decided to immigrate to Canada. He arrived in Calgary, worked various jobs and in 1955 he met his future wife, Ida. They started their lives together and celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary on January 28, 2021. Frank was hired by the Calgary Separate School Board in 1964, as a caretaker, a job he loved, and the children loved him. All the kids called him Snoopy. He lived for his family, who have all these memories of driving off on weekends and holidays to go camping somewhere.

Frank accomplished much through his life and his proudest moments were the birth of his two sons, Paul, and Kevin. Frank enjoyed camping, watching soccer, football, and hockey. He loved going to watch the Calgary Stampeders play at McMahon Stadium and baking Oliebollen for the Dutch Canadian Club. Frank’s most memorable vacation was the train trip across Canada with Ida, to the Maritimes, to see the harbor and museum where he landed as an immigrant from Holland in 1953. He will be most remembered for his love for his family, his kindness, his humor, and his commitment to his job.

Besides his loving wife Ida, Frank is survived by his two sons, Paul, and Kevin (Meaghen); seven grandchildren, Kailey, Mikhaila, Dan, Ali, Kaeden, Rylie, and Wesley; and one great-grandchild June. He is also survived by his brother Renee Derksen in Denekamp. 

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Geesje, and Gerard Derksen; three brothers, Jannie, Friedel, and Rudy; and three sisters, Annie, Toni, and Jolanda

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church (10 Prestwick Drive S.E., Calgary AB) on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Derksen’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Franciscus Derksen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Frank's Memorial Card can be viewed by clicking this link

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