Phyllis S. Derda's Obituary
Phyllis Susan Derda, age 75, passed away on August 5, 2023, at her home in Florida, surrounded by her family. Phyllis was born on December 7, 1947, to Albert and Mae (Volkmann) Jandt in Muskegon, MI.
On December 21, 1968, she married her high school sweetheart and life partner, David Derda Sr. Together they shared over 60 years of happiness, adventure, raising a family, and most of all, unconditional love. Her family was her life; she was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, and her nieces and nephews.
Phyllis was a Muskegon High School graduate, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Muskegon and Hope Lutheran Church in Melbourne, Florida. She was proud of the time that she spent as a preschool teacher at Westshore Lutheran School, and as a bank teller with First of America. Phyllis was very active in her church communities and most particularly enjoyed singing in the choir, playing the handbells, participating in bible studies, and serving on multiple committees, especially with the LWML – Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Phyllis was also very active with the TOPS organization, and of course, helping out with whatever her kids were involved in, particularly Girl Scouts and the Big Red Marching Band. Her yard was always a project and she thoroughly enjoyed being out in it. She loved reading, cross stich, playing solitaire, and whatever game her grandkids put in front of her.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, David Derda Sr., their two children: Claudia (Jerry) Derda-Vanderstelt and David (Nicole) Derda Jr.; her grandchildren: Zoe and Ian Vanderstelt, Katherine (Kate) and Caroline Derda; brothers: William (Margaret) Jandt and Thomas (Elizabeth) Jandt; several nieces, nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Jandt; and sisters, Elsa Griesbach and Sandra Pastoor.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE will take place 10:00 AM Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church (3225 Roosevelt Rd.) with Pastor Paul Appold officiating. VISITATION with the family will be one hour prior to the service. BURIAL will take place at Lakeside Cemetery. MEMORIALS to the American Heart Association or the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Phyllis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Phyllis?
Share a story where Phyllis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Phyllis you’ll never forget.
How did Phyllis make you smile?