Doyle Derby

Doyle Kevin Derby, 59, of Elbow Lake, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 15, 2020, while at Pomme de Terre Lake.

Doyle was born February 16, 1961 in Fergus Falls, MN to Deloris and Leland Derby.  He was baptized and confirmed at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake and graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1980.  He worked several places over the years including the Oakworks, Inc, Cosmos, Titan Machinery and as a golf course groundskeeper, most recently for Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course.  He was an instinctive mechanic and especially proficient at small engine repairs.   He traveled to Alaska (roundtrip) three times via the Alaskan Highway and worked as a groundskeeper in Wasilla, AK while living there.   Doyle enjoyed his experiences in Alaska, especially fishing for Halibut and Salmon.

Until recently, it was impossible to see Doyle without the company of his black lab.  He loved his labs, each and every one throughout the years.  Doyle grew up on Point Comfort of Pomme de Terre Lake where his family ran Derby's Resort. He loved the outdoors and was happiest when fishing or hunting with his friends or relatives.  Doyle was always willing to lend a helping hand to his friends at the Vart Hjem and enjoyed helping with the church dinners at United Lutheran.  In 2003, he was presented with a "Life Saving Award" for participating in a rescue when an ATV went through the ice on Pomme de Terre.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Daniel Derby.

Doyle is survived by his sister, Linda (Jim) Timm of Portage, Michigan; his sister-in-law, Valorie (Daniel) Derby of Coon Rapids, MN; five nephews and one niece; 10 great nieces and nephews; and many amazing cousins and friends.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date in Elbow Lake, with burial taking place at Ness Cemetery in Elbow Lake.

Memorial requests are to the United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake or to the Grant County Humane Society.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.

Please visit www.EricksonSmithFH.com to share a message of support with Doyle’s family.