Derek Myhre, age 49, of Box Elder, SD, and Lemmon, SD, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025 in a vehicle accident south of Lemmon, SD.
Funeral services for Derek will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon, SD, with Charlotte Kvale officiating. Burail will follow in the Greenhill Cemetery at Lemmon.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by Masonic Rights and friends and family service at 6:00 p.m. all at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.
Derek Nells Myhre was born on March 5, 1976 in Hettinger, ND to Max and Linda (Daley) Myhre. He was baptized and confirmed in Lemmon, SD at Calvary Lutheran Church. Derek spent numerous hours at the farm with Grandpa Gene and his dad Max when growing up. Grandpa Gene taught Derek everything mechanical and he enjoyed working on cars. Derek worked with his dad doing construction while growing up and learned everything construction from him. Derek was excited with the arrival of his little brother Douglas, whom called him big bubba.
Derek attended Lemmon School graduating in 1994. He participated in football, basketball, and baseball. Derek attend SDSU for 2 years, and returned back to Lemmon to assist the family farming operations and assist with reconstruction of the G.E. Lemmon Petrified Wood Park for three years during the summers.
In 1997, Derek attended Black Hills State University, graduating in 2001 with a degree in Human Services, Sociology and a minor Psychology. After graduation he move to Rapid City and began to work at Site Work Specialists. Derek and Stacy moved to Pierre in 2004, and he worked for the City of Pierre in the Water Department. He worked his way up to Lead Water Technician and before he departed was Acting Water Superintendent. Derek worked for the City of Pierre for 20 years. He was a certified water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater distribution operator. He worked in the water industry for over 22 years and mentored many. Derek gained many beloved friends and colleagues during his years in Pierre and within the water community. Derek and his family recently moved to the Black Hills and was slated to start work for the City of Rapid City as water treatment operator.
Derek loved the outdoors from fishing, hunting, and hiking. He was an avid fisherman and was an active member of the Capitol City Bass Club. He was the secretary of their club, until COVID stopped activities. Derek traveled to many locations with family and never missed getting in a fishing trip during their travels. Derek never missed a deer, antelope, or pheasant season and was successful with a South Dakota elk hunt.
He was a member Lemmon Masonic Grand Lodge AF&AM #151 and a Naja Shriner. He was a member of South Dakota Water and Wastewater Association and the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems.
Derek and the love of his life, Stacy, met in 1996 in Lemmon. Derek married Stacy, in 2017 surrounded by family in Jamacia. Derek was beyond overjoyed with the birth of his son Maximus in 2020. The day he was born, Derek said “he didn’t know he could love somebody so much.” Derek devoted most of his time to being with Maximus. Maximus made his heart full and family complete.
Derek is survived by his best friend and best buddy, his son Maximus Nells; wife, Stacy; Mother, Linda; Brother, Douglas (Lauren); Godmother, Dianne Hellekson; in-laws, Daniel and Gail Froelich; sister-in-law, Stephanie (Ryan) Archibald; Goddaughter, Amya Hoffman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; special friends and Maximus’ proxy grandparents Thad and Caroline Uecker; and numerous friends.
Preceded in death by his father, Max; paternal grandparents, Gene (Eugene) and Marcella Myhre; maternal grandparents Jim (James) and Marie Daley; Aunt Gloria Myhre; Uncle Irl Myhre; Uncle Gene Lovell; Grandma Ethel Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Maximus’ college fund.
A legacy book has been established, please write up stories or adventures of Derek for Maximus. This will serve to preserve memories honoring his life and defined him, creating a keepsake. Please send them to [email protected].
