Mathilda Derke

Mathilda “Tillie” (Brasel) Derke, age 94, of Perham, MN, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2008, at the Elder’s Home, New York Mills, MN.


Mathilda was born to Herman and Pauline (Wanderi) Brasel on September 26, 1914 . She was baptized on November 1, 1914 . Tillie was raised in Corliss Township and attended country school. She was confirmed on April 28, 1929 , at St. John’s Lutheran Church . On March 26, 1937 , she was united in marriage to Otto Derke. She and Otto lived and farmed in Butler Township . Their marriage was blessed with four children.



Otto and Tillie moved to Perham in 1972. She and Otto enjoyed traveling to visit their family as well as playing cards and socializing with friends. Tillie loved being with her family and was a fantastic cook and baker. Her caramel rolls and potato pancakes are legendary among friends and family alike. In 2007 she moved to New York Mills and resided at the Nelson Home until June of 2008. She lived at the New York Mills Nursing Home until the time of her death. She was a wonderful grandmother and great grandmother and will be missed by all.



Tillie is survived by three daughters, Gayle Janke, Perham, MN; Elaine (Evans) Lester, Vashon, WA; and Connie Szkodyn, Portland, OR; one brother, Lawrence (Dorothy) Brasel, Perham, MN; and two sisters, Violet Rick, Perham, MN; and Edna Herndon, OR; eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.



Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Otto; son, Ronald; two sisters, Evelyn and Erna; a brother, William; and a son-in-law, Dale.