On November 22, 2022, Louis Joseph Dereski, in his 90th year, laid down his guitar and mandolin and passed away peacefully at his home.
Louis was born on March 11, 1933 in Whitemouth, Manitoba to Ludwig and Julianna Dereski. He is survived by his beloved wife Astrid and his three children Lonny, Louanne and Troy (Sherri). Louis leaves behind his grandchildren Graeme, Hanna (Jarrett) and Andrew Ellis; Tori (Matt) and Emma Dereski (Brendan); Emily (Edward) Leibel and Grace Dereski. He will be reunited with his grandsons Tavis and Brandon Dereski. Louis is predeceased by his sisters Bernice, Angela “Nellie”, Rosalia, Helen, Josephine, Victoria, Margaret, his brothers Edmund “Eddie”, Walter “Bill”, and Stanley and his father- and mother-in-law Gustav and Anna Klockars. He is survived by his younger sister Elizabeth Biluk. Louis was an exceptional brother-in-law to Audrey, Gladys and Randy Klockars (Janice). Uncle Louis held a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews. Uncle Louis always said that his nieces, Karita and Anna-Liisa Klockars, were his ‘adopted daughters’. Proud great Uncle of his namesake Louis Lachapelle. He will be fondly remembered by his niece/goddaughter Dory Dereski.
Of all the accomplishments Louis would want to be remembered for, most notable would be his membership at Woodland Lodge A.F & A.M No. 680 GRC. and his election to the office of Worshipful Master. Louis was a wonderful example of a Mason, a husband, a father and a friend. In retirement he could often be found in the blueberry patch boasting about finding the biggest berries, curling, playing music with The Good Timers, golfing with his good buddy Jack Aitkenhead or watching hockey games in front of the fireplace. He enjoyed ice fishing with Randy and playing cribbage with the Legion gang.
For all who knew Louis, or affectionately ‘Uncle Louis’, knew that he always had time for others and was the first to lend a hand to someone in need.
A memorial service will be held at First United Church (224 Mission Road, Wawa) on Monday, November 28th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Mrs. Lorna Chiupka officiating. Cremation has taken place at River’s Edge Cremation Centre, Sault Ste. Marie. An interment will follow at the Woodland Cemetery, Wawa.
A Come and Go at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #429 (51 Broadway Ave, Wawa) will follow the internment. Family and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation or Wawa First United Church would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Kerry Funeral Home, Wawa.
Woodland Lodge A.F & A.M No. 680 GRC.
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What a beautiful tribute to a remarkable man. I have many fond memories of Mr Dereski growing up in Wawa, from road trip to the States, a round of golf, but most fun was playing cards for pennies with him and Louanne. Family gatherings with him on his guitar was always a fun time.
RIP “Uncle Louis” you will be so missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Ausilia
Condolences to the Dereski family. He will be missed by the community.
A life well lived! I think of Louis often with a smile, many times we socialized with Louis at the curling rink or curled with him. As he got older he curled his own game, skipped called the shot but he did what he wanted. You can do that after 80. It is our pleasure to have known him, RIP Louis we enjoyed your company. Please except our condolences, Patricia and Lance
Astrid, Lonny, Lou Anne, Troy and all Dereski and Klockar family members, my sincere condolences on the passing of Louis. I was lucky to have been in his presence on many occasions and truly admired the energy and ambition he had. He will surely be missed by the town of Wawa playing music for most of the people there. May you all remember the good times he offered each of us. Rest in peace.
Chris McRae – Waterloo
Our condolences to all the Dereski & Klockars families…Ron & Norma
It has been a pleasure knowing Louis and having many conversations with him at lodge.
Rest in peace brother.
Mia and I give our heartfelt condolences to the Derseki and Klockar fmilies.
Condolences to the Dereski and Klockars families. Louis was such a great guy and I loved hearing him play. He will be missed
Sincere condolences to the Dereski and Klockars families. Louis was a talented musician.
He shared his love for music with our community.
He was a gentleman on the golf course and at the curling rink.
He will be missed in our community.
Glad he was blessed with a long full life but hard to say goodbye to the last of my childhood friends
Lifetime of memories of growing up together in Whitemouth, starting our lives in Wawa & raising our kids
The Dereski & Aitkenhead families are so intertwined on both sides for generations most people assume we are related
We share your grief & wish you comfort & peace in the days ahead
Wishing you smiles mixed between the tears as you remember the happy times with Louie
Jack, Judy & Mario
Sincere condolences to all family and friends. Jude and Don