John Lee Derer

John was a wonderful hard working man, We always looked forward to celebrating our birthdays with all of our sisters and brothers at Johnson Creek. The story that I remember was when their dog had puppies and it finally got to be to much work for Janet so He took them over to the human socity and when he came back home Janet was so upset that he had to go back and get them. We always had so much fun with them and John had many talents. Our sympathy goes out to his wonderful family. We love you all very much and our prayers are with all of you' Huge big hugs to all of you. Aunt Sharlene and Uncle Jerry.

I am so sorry Jane and Joan! My prayers are with you and your families right! I know your dad is the right place! Bless you both!

Bob, Barbara and Jessica Ward Jimmy, Joanie and Jane and Family We were so saddened to hear of the passing of your dad. John (Jack) was special to our family growing up. He and your mom were a true love story and an inspiration of Christian values to his family and everyone he touched in life. A good hearted man kind and generous and willing to go the mile whenever needed was how he lived. How lovely your tribute to him was above. Know you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Love Bob, Barb & Jessica

Jack and Janet Derer and I were all born in March of 1934. We sometimes referred to ourselves as the “triplets”. This made for a special bond among us. My wife Sally Bergenske is a cousin of Janet Waller Derer.( Janet’s mother was a Bergenske). Janet and Sally grew up together and were always close friends. I married Sally in 1961 and became a member of this large happy family. Over the years there were many gatherings where I had the opportunity to meet and appreciate Jack Derer and his dear wife Janet. Jack and I had many things in common. We enjoyed sports and did building projects together with Sally in the middle of the mix. The three attended the University of Wisconsin Football and Basketball games together with regularity. Sally and I were impressed with Jack’s knowledge and understanding of all sports, because he played most of the sports along with some of the Wisconsin’s greats that came from the East Side of Madison. Jack’s sister Joann was likewise a fine athlete/artist. She had a career of dancing with the American Ballet Company in New York. One of the highlights of our knowing Jack was to visit the home of his grandparents in Avoca where his grandfather was a carpenter. As a teenager, Jack took the train from Madison to Avoca. The fare for that trip was twenty five cents. We sensed the pride and pleasure that Jack had for these roots. This is one of the places Jack developed his strong work ethic and a strong sense of self. Jack was a master of both wood and glass when it came to doing building projects, his work was clean, neat and fast. Never would you find a hammer mark or scratch on any of his finished work. He was a perfectionist and knew how plan and finish each job with no great fanfare. And besides all of this, he was fun to work with. As I sit and write this remembrance on my back porch and look out these perfectly installed windows, I can almost hear his laugh and see his happy face. I will be forever happy and proud to have known this special person that also joined in and married into the wonderful Bergenske Family. He will never be forgotten at this house….We loved Jack and he knew it. Sally Bergenske Ouellette and John Ouellette MD

I’m so sorry to hear about John’s passing. I hope it brings you comfort knowing that he’s at peace. Becky Losby, Verona Senior Center

Joan (and family) on behalf of the MG Class of 77 we convey our deepest sympathy in the passing of your family patriarch, your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.