Kevin Derynck

Kevin Michael Derynck was born in Marshall, Minn., to Robert (Ike) and Joan Derynck Oct. 31, 1955, and was the oldest of five children.

Kevin spent his younger years on the family farm in Tyler, Minn. The days were long and the work was hard, but little did he know this would instill in him a work ethic that would guide him through life.

Although the farm kept him busy, he developed a love for sports, both watching and playing. After high school he went on to play basketball at a community college in Granite Falls, Minn., where he earned his associate degree in sales and marketing. 

Along with sports, Kevin developed a love for hunting at a young age. This pursuit got him into trouble at times, once in particular when he traded in his dad’s .410 shotgun for a 12-gauge without permission. This was just the beginning of a lifelong passion.

Kevin was blessed with two sons from his first marriage to Carmen, Kollin Michael and Kellen Matthew. Kevin shared his love for sports with his boys and proudly coached both in their early years. He and his boys created and shared many memories together, especially traveling to watch the Kansas City Royals, many long walks hunting and enjoying an evening ice cream. 

Kevin met his life partner, Christy, and they were united in marriage in Great Falls, Mont., in 2005. Together they lived life to the fullest. In their early years together they shared a love for horses and enjoyed riding.

Eventually, they traded the horses for motorcycles when they moved to the Black Hills area of South Dakota. Side-by-side they developed a shared passion for riding Indian motorcycles. They took several long trips on two wheels and enjoyed their time at the Sturgis Rally. 

Kevin received numerous awards throughout his professional career as a skilled sales executive. He spent nearly 40 years in the food service industry and finished his career with Gallagher North America, where he often said his job was so enjoyable that work didn’t feel like work.

Kevin had many passions in life, all of which he pursued to the fullest. He was blessed to have many mentors along the way and in everything he accomplished, he always gave credit to God. His faith was very important to him and it was evident in everything he did.

Although he never served in the military, Kevin was a true patriot and loved his country. He believed strongly in the personal freedoms and God-given rights that every individual should have and truly understood the sacrifices our forefathers made to ensure those freedoms for generations to come. 

Kevin passed away  May 23, 2024, at Monument Hospital in Rapid City, S.D. He was 68.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ike Derynck. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 19 years, Christy Derynck; his sons, Kollin (Alyssa) Derynck, and Kellen (Amanda) Derynck; mother, Joan Derynck; siblings, Kathy Derynck, Colleen (Pat) Bakker, Karen (Tinner) Carlson, and Curt (Lisa) Derynck; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved hunting dog, Gauge.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 28 at The Little White Church in Hill City, S.D.