Ruth I Derksen

Lake Crystal Mortuary
648 S. Main Street
Lake Crystal, MN 56055
507-726-6161

Ruth Isabel "Bicky" Derksen passed away March 6, 2012 at Crystal Seasons in Lake Crystal, MN. She had been a resident of Lake Crystal since 1946.

A Visitation to Celebrate Ruth's Life will be held from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, June 23, 2012 at her daughter, Jan Derksen-Roth's home, 212 N. Crystal Street, Lake Crystal. Private family burial will be in Lake Crystal Cemetery.

Bicky was born October 26, 1917 in Traer, Iowa, the fourth of five children born to Henry Ernest and Emma Rachel (Rose) Bickett. Her childhood years were spent in Tama County, IA where her family was involved in farming. After high school she enrolled in Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN from where she graduated with a registered nurse degree in 1939. During this time she met Dirk Norman Derksen, a student at Rochester Junior College. They were married in Minneapolis on June 21, 1941 and enjoyed 68 years together. She worked as a nurse while Dirk completed dental school at the University of MN. After two years in the Navy they settled in Lake Crystal as Dirk began a dental practice.

Bicky was involved in a variety of community activities. She was a Cub Scout den mother for all the years her sons were in Cub Scouts. She served as a Sunday School teacher at the First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed participating in Study Club, Great Books, and a variety of bridge clubs. Her life and that of her family was enriched by hosting and/or being involved with a variety of foreign exchange students including Amporn Sutabutra (Thailand), Birger Nissen (Denmark), Katsiuke Nakajima (Japan), Elfving Family (Finland), and Visharda Hoon (India). For many years she worked as a nurse at the Lake Crystal Nursing Home. She and Dirk loved to travel and took their children on family vacations throughout the United States. They were also avid fishermen and golfers and Bicky was still walking the golf course at age 80. Hunting for antiques and refinishing furniture were much enjoyed hobbies. Bicky supported her husband's many public service endeavors and was well known for a sense of humor that made her eyes sparkle with mischievous delight.

Bicky is survived by her four children and their spouses, Dr. Jon (Sue) Derksen of Appleton, WI, Jim (Heather McIntyre) Derksen of Castlegar, British Columbia, Dr. Jay (Sharon) Derksen of Anchorage, AK, and Jan (Don) Roth of Lake Crystal; ten grandchildren, Dr. Eric Derksen (Leah), Dr. Todd Derksen (Carrie Walters), Alyssa Douglas (Dr. Aaron), Sarah Gonia (Kyle), Emily Poray (Peter), Dr. Jeremy Derksen (Dr. Saloua Bakkali), Brittany Strickland (Derek), Mandy Weisbrich (Pat), Zac Roth (Ashley Shaneyfelt), Zeb Roth (Roxy); ten great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way. The day before she died she thoroughly enjoyed holding her newest great-grandchild, Asher Roth of Lake Crystal and skyping with great-grandson, Jacob Derksen of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Jean (Bob) Kerr of Tripoli, IA.

Bicky was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dirk, on February 5, 2010; and in addition two brothers and one sister.

A Family Memorial Service is being planned for this summer.

Lake Crystal Mortuary assisted with arrangements.