Derek Zenk

Derek Zenk, 32, of Webster, passed away Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 23, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Webster.  Burial will be at St. Otto's Catholic Cemetery near Webster.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday 5-7 P.M. at the church and will be closing with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. https://fb.watch/lJfOxMmXiJ/

Derek Joseph Zenk was born on February 3, 1991, at Brookings, South Dakota to Fred and Cynthia (Cuppy) Zenk. He was baptized at St. John’s Catholic Church in Arlington and confirmed at Christ the King Catholic Church in Webster. He attended school in Webster, graduating in 2009. He furthered his education at South Dakota State obtaining a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. While at South Dakota State, Derek had many fond memories he loved to reminisce about as he served as Alpha Gamma Rho Noble Ruler, University Crops Judging Team, Meat Lab, College of Ag/Bio Ambassador, Little International Executive Committee and most all of, he met his beautiful bride. Upon completion of college, he returned to Webster.

On June 21, 2014, he was united in marriage to Megan Peters at St. Thomas More in Brookings. The couple made their home on the Zenk family farm raising their three beautiful children Sawyer, Sutton, and Sage with Baby Girl Zenk due in September.

Derek was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Derek was currently employed at USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service office in Aberdeen. 

Derek had the most sincere heart. He gave the best hugs. He was devoted. He was compassionate and lovable. He loved fishing since early childhood.  Fishing turned into pure enjoyment, passion, and therapy. He loved sharing this joy with others by taking friends and young nieces and nephews fishing as well as the solitude. He enjoyed listening to old country music and dancing (jitterbug being his favorite!). He loved being outdoors watching for pheasants, being a herdsman, planting trees, and playing with his kids. Above all else, he loved time spent with his family.

Derek’s memory will live on forever through his wife Megan and their children Sawyer, Sutton, Sage, and Baby Girl Zenk, his parents Fred and Cindy Zenk of Webster, SD, siblings Crissa (Justin) Fruechte of Pipestone, MN, Kyli (J.D.) Deranleau of Belle Fourche, SD, and Daniel (Kaela Jo) Zenk of Britton, SD, grandmothers Judy Zenk of Webster, SD, and Darleen Cuppy of Wessington Springs, SD, mother-in-law Connie Peters of Mapleton, MN, sisters-in-law Tara (James) Salge of Buffalo, NY, Leslie (Eric) Barr of Mapleton, MN, brother-in-law Mitchell (Stacey) Peters of Nicollet, MN, as well as many nieces, nephews, and best friend Kendal Nilson. He was preceded in death by his grandfather’s Donald Zenk and Howard Cuppy, father-in-law Russell Peters, and nephew Brayden Fruechte.