Derek Vohs

Vohs, Derek Jay CROSS PLAINS/SWAZILAND, AFRICA Derek Jay Vohs/Mduduzi Mtembu Soko, age 38, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2008, at Meriter Hospital following a courageous battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor. Derek was born on June 7, 1969, in Madison, the son of Geraldine Vohs. Derek was serving in the Peace Corps in Swaziland, Africa in the HIV/AIDS and Community Health Program when he took ill. Derek was a 1987 graduate of West High School and a 1994 graduate of UW-Stout. He loved designing and making jewelry and was a goldsmith by trade at BR Diamond Suites and William Thomas Designs. For a time he had his own jewelry shop on Monroe Street and also participated in Art Fair on the Square and Monona Terrace Art Show. Derek did everything from working in bookstores to refurbishing freight containers to walking dogs, the later being by far the most rewarding and enjoyable, Peace Corps aside. Derek thoroughly enjoyed traveling, having visited at least 15 countries. He witnessed Lance Armstrongs sixth of seventh consecutive Tour de France victories. He even rode the storied "LAlpe dHuez" mountain stage. Derek was fanatical about music and had been to hundreds of concerts. He was an avid cyclist, completing seven AIDS rides, traveling through nine states and two countries, including the beloved ACT Ride through southern Wisconsin twice and two races in Swaziland. Derek is survived by his mother, Gerry; his girlfriend, Claire Dennison; his "other" girlfriend and companion, Cinnamon (golden retriever); Swazi brothers, Sihle Ngozo and Gogo; grandpa, Jim Kingsley (Sydney); his aunts, Sherrie Saunders (Chris) of DeForest, Mary Perkins (Steve) of Stoughton; uncles, Terry Vohs (Vicki) of Milton, Bob Vohs (Mary Ann Dailey) of Madison; great-uncles, Ronald Vohs (Bobbi) of Peoria, Ill., LeRoy Vohs (Carole) of Whitewater; and numerous cousins who supported him every step of the way on this life journey; and his very special Peace Corps friend, Lindsay Hayek, whose friendship Derek treasured. He is also survived by his nanny, Betty Vaughn; Godmother, Margrit Moan-Nachreiner; his second family, Tibor and Bess Zana, Tibi (Lia) and Peter (Kira); very special friends, Big Brother Tom King and his wife, Sandy, Jack Loew and his wife Ruth; his best buddies, John Settle (Nicole), Jamie Hanson (Melissa); Goddaughter, Sloane, Mike Cerns, Mike Denruiter, Mike Tuffli and Derek felt blessed to have friends too numerous to count, all over the world, who loved and supported him during this most difficult period of his life. Derek was preceded in death by his grandpa, Stan; his beloved grandma, "Goldie"; and his uncle, Larry Vohs. A celebration of Dereks life will be held at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2008, with Pastor Todd Barsness presiding. A visitation will also be held on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Memorials and donations will be given to the Young Heroes Program of Swaziland, http://youngheroes.org.sz/. Please send to Vohs, 1522 Main St., Cross Plains, WI 53528. A very special thanks to the staff of Meriter Hospital, Dr. Huie, Lobsang, Cindy, Susan, Chessa for their love and care. www.caringbridge.org/visit/derekvohs. Derek, you lit up the room with your presence and drew each one close with your smile. Your spirit is with me forever; Its beauty cant keep us apart. All my love forever, Mom