Remembering Derrald Dewald
Derrald E. Dewald, retired Associate Director of Housing, died Nov. 28, 2016, in Moorhead with his family by his side. He was 73.
He was born in Edgeley, N.D., on Oct. 24, 1943, to Elmer and Helen (Horsager) Dewald. Derrald graduated from Napoleon, N.D., High School and received a B.S. from Valley City State University. He received his MBA from St. Mary’s University in Bismarck. He married Evon Johnson on Aug. 23, 1964. After college graduation, they lived briefly in Robinson and Napoleon before settling in Grand Forks and retiring to Moorhead, Minn.
Derrald taught high school chemistry and biology in his early career and developed a passion for coaching football, track and basketball. He went on to work for the University of North Dakota in the Housing Office in business administration from 1976 to 2005.
Derrald was a deeply faithful person who cherished his wife and children and grandchildren. He loved learning and teaching and coaching, which was evident throughout his entire life.
His compassion, grace, dignity, respect, loyalty, love, honor, faith and joy were intrinsic to his personality, lived out in his daily life, and nurtured in his children and grandchildren. Derrald loved meeting new people and easily struck up conversations with all he met. His amazing ability to nurture hundreds of relationships and maintain authentic, genuine friendships with his quick wit, humor, smiling eyes and strong faith will never be forgotten. “Keep smiling,” he would say, “it makes them wonder what you’re up to!”
Derrald is survived by his wife of 52 years, Evon J. Dewald, of Moorhead, three children, four grandchildren, two sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law: Amy Dewald and Rolf Jacobson, Ingrid and Gunnar Jacobson (Saint Paul, MN); Cari and Erich Drees, Adam and Anika Drees (Dilworth, MN); and J. Gahlord and Meghan Dewald (Burlington, VT). He is also survived by his mother, Helen, and brother, John; six nieces and nephews and their families.
Derrald chose to continue his support for learning and teaching by participating in the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Anatomical Bequest Program (www.med.umn.edu/research/anatomy-bequest-program).
A Service of Remembrance was held on Friday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Moorhead. Memorials preferred to the Great Plains Food Bank in Derrald’s name: Great Plains Food Bank, 1720 3rd Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102, 701-232-6219, www.greatplainsfoodbank.org.
The family wishes to thank the many friends, neighbors, physicians, nurses and medical staff, students of our father, and relatives for their generosity of love, faith, compassion and support during dad’s brief journey with cancer. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
