Derek K. Geschwender

Derek Kurt Geschwender

June 16, 1977 – September 8, 2020

 

Beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and uncle.

Preceded in death by his grandfathers, Leonard Geschwender and Arnold Grothe.  Survived by mother, Susan Grothe Geschwender; father, Kurt and Tina Geschwender; his sister’s family: Quinn, Marty, Molly, and Brody McGuire; grandmothers, Arlyne Geschwender and Bernice Grothe; and girlfriend, Beth Wolny.  Also survived by his beloved work family at the UNO College of Business Administration.  May he rest in eternal peace.

Derek was born in Omaha to Kurt and Susan Geschwender.  He and his sister Quinn spent their childhood playing sports and building friendships with the neighbor children.  Derek was an accomplished drummer and loved Mr. Lotus’ CAD class at Burke High School.  His love for CAD led him to his future career as the Director of Operations at UNO’s College of Business Administration in Mammel Hall.

Derek and his family had special summers growing up.  Grandma and Grandpa Geschwender would take him, his sister, and their cousins on RV trips around the country.  During these trips the cousins would play heated games of SORRY! and Clue while getting to see incredible sights.  Living just down the street from his Grandma and Grandpa, he, his sister, and his cousins would build gingerbread houses and play tag around their property and leave love notes for the grandparents to find.  Grandma and Grandpa Grothe would also have “summer camp” in Wisner where Derek and Quinn had the run of the town on their bikes.  Having sleepovers in the upstairs, riding down to the Dairy Keen, and spending time in the icy cold swimming pool were some of the highlights.  He also learned to fish, hunt, and drive at his grandpa’s sandpit with his father Kurt, grandfather Arnold, and uncle Ray.  Perhaps the time spent with family led to Derek’s love for the outdoors and camping.  He would look forward to spring because it would be the beginning of camping season.  He spent a lot of camping time at Indian Cave among other wonderful camping sites.  He camped his way across the Western Panhandle of Nebraska and into Colorado.  He loved and appreciated the Earth for the gift it is.  From his first job at Beaton Drug at age 15, Derek enjoyed working and gave his all to every job he had.  His true employment love was the College of Business Administration, where he began as a student worker.  As his knowledge and expertise grew, so did his responsibilities there.  The College of Business further united his band of brothers.  David Nielsen, David McKnight, and Derek were quite the technology trifecta of Mammal Hall.  Although Derek did not have blood brothers, these two men were his brothers of the heart.

Our world will never be the same without him.  We will hold our memories tightly to our hearts and keep our minds occupied with the thought that he is with the Lord.

VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Sunday, September 13th from 3pm to 5pm, at the West Center Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, September 14th,1pm, West Center Chapel.  Private INTERMENT.  Memorials will be directed by the family.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the View Live Service button on the homepage.

 

 

37 Comments

  • Kevin Corwin Posted September 10, 2020 3:15 pm

    Thank you for your professionalism and wonderful spirit! You will be missed!

  • John Fiene Posted September 10, 2020 3:45 pm

    I’m deeply sadened for your loss. Derek and I worked together and I considered him a great friend. We had many good laughs together and I thoroughly enjoyed being with him. We’ll miss him greatly.

  • Jason Moriarty Posted September 10, 2020 5:04 pm

    Terribly sorry for your loss. Derek it has been several years since we last hung out or talked, but you will alway live on in memories and stories. We had some great times and left a wake of awesomeness that has always brought a smile to my face. I’ll miss you buddy!

  • George Blessing Posted September 10, 2020 8:33 pm

    I am very saddened for the loss of Derek. I had the privilege of working with him on many occasions at UNO. He was a GREAT man and very enjoyable to be around. Derek will be missed greatly.

  • Laura Beal Posted September 10, 2020 9:54 pm

    Rest In Peace my dear friend. You are gone way too soon! I’m so sorry to your family! Have a jack and coke for me buddy.😔

  • Mattaio Posted September 11, 2020 6:57 am

    Best wishes to you in your new adventure in the heavens. You were a wonderful person here on this earth.

  • Brigid Freymuller Posted September 11, 2020 9:05 am

    So sorry for the loss. Derek was a GREAT friend and will always be remembered fondly.

  • Ivan Munteanu Posted September 11, 2020 9:16 am

    Good, positive, smiling person.
    Very sad.
    Condolences to family and friends.

  • Ora Prince Posted September 11, 2020 10:12 am

    I am sorry for your loss, he was a GREAT guy!

  • Elizabeth Wessling Posted September 11, 2020 10:30 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Derek was one of my go-to-problem solvers. He was so smart and always willing to help with anything, at any time. He was truly a wonderful and humble person. I am grateful to have known him. He is already missed. My prayers are with you during this sad time.

  • Teresa Carlson Posted September 11, 2020 11:18 am

    So sadden by this news. Derek was an outstanding person that will certainly be missed. The Derek, David, David trifecta helped me many times and always had a smile and a laugh to share. Sending my prayers to all during this time and may your memories comfort you.

  • Jaymie Schroeder Posted September 11, 2020 12:39 pm

    Derek,
    Thank you for being a true friend. You will be so very missed by all of those who knew you. You are in my heart and my family’s, always. Thank you for the memories. Deepest condolences to all friends and family.
    -Jaymie .

  • Linda Safranek Posted September 11, 2020 3:43 pm

    Quinn and family~I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that all of your wonderful memories comfort your hurting hearts.

  • Kathie McGill Posted September 11, 2020 3:53 pm

    Quinn, What beautiful, priceless memories shared here!! Thanks to you and your family for sharing this and allowing those of us who didn’t have the pleasure of meeting your brother to further understand what a wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandson, cousin and friend he was. Love and prayers, Kathie

  • Kiara Brinkman Posted September 11, 2020 9:25 pm

    Growing up, I thought of Derek as an older brother rather than a cousin. He was always kind, patient and loyal. I have so many beautiful memories of our summers together.
    He taught me how to skip rocks. He taught me how to horseback ride. He taught me how to be less afraid of big dogs. He taught me how to survive a lightning storm while out on an adventure in the woods.
    I remember one summer before he went off to sleep-away camp, he rode his bike halfway across town and back to borrow a Nintendo from a friend, and he proudly delivered it to me, so that I would be less bored and lonely while he was away.
    Derek had such a generous spirit. He truly seemed to delight in the happiness of those (humans and animals) whom he loved best. He will be greatly missed.
    Sending love and light to Susan, Kurt, Tina, Quinn, Arlyne and everyone who knew him.
    Kiara

  • Kiara Brinkman Posted September 11, 2020 9:54 pm

    Growing up, I always thought of Derek as more of an older brother than a cousin. He was kind, patient, and loyal. I have so many beautiful memories of our summers together.
    He taught me how to skip rocks. He taught me how to horseback ride. He taught me how to be less afraid of big dogs. He taught me how to survive a lightning storm while out on an adventure in the woods.
    I remember once before he left for sleep-away camp, he rode his bike halfway across town to borrow a Nintendo from a friend, and he proudly delivered it to me so that I would be less bored and lonely while he was away.
    Derek was a generous spirit. He truly seemed to delight in the happiness of those (humans and animals) whom he loved best.
    He will be greatly missed.
    Sending love and light to Susan, Kurt, Tina, Arlyne and Quinn.
    –Kiara

  • Sheree Leger Posted September 11, 2020 11:29 pm

    Dear Duke,

    Your CA family is going to miss you. Kadin. Xavier and Gavin enjoyed your chats, and time spent. Though we were miles apart, you are stop my Step-Brother and I will miss your quirky personality and humor. Your smile was contagious and I don’t think as ever saw you without a hat . LOL see ya one day in heaven and when I do, you and i will have a chat . Miss you Duke XO

  • Christine Flott Posted September 12, 2020 8:48 am

    Derek was such a great, dependable, sweet man. When I worked at CBA, he was ALWAYS there to help me whenever I called. Derek was certainly someone who’s memory will be forever treasured. My thoughts and prayers are with his CBA brothers, family, and friends.

  • Pat & Don Wilkie Posted September 12, 2020 8:49 am

    Sorry to hear of Derek’s passing, Many memories of Leonard & Arlene, Kurt & Susan in the Real

    Estate business

  • Christine Flott Posted September 12, 2020 8:50 am

    Derek was such a great, dependable, sweet man. When I worked at CBA, he was ALWAYS there to help me whenever I called. Derek was certainly someone whose memory will be forever treasured. My thoughts and prayers are with his CBA brothers, family, and friends.

  • Randi and Bill Brinkman Posted September 12, 2020 9:26 am

    Derek was a kind and gentle soul who left us far too soon. We loved him dearly and are deeply saddened by his passing. He will remain in our hearts and memories forever.

  • gary domet Posted September 12, 2020 10:05 am

    I moved into CBA two semesters ago, but just this past Spring met Derek. He was incredibly helpful. He had a great understanding of the systems, never ever complained about answering questions and always had a good
    sense of humor. Terrific guy. What a shame. Rest in peace Derek.

  • Michael Elder Posted September 12, 2020 12:40 pm

    Derek and I were roommates at Kansas State in 1996. He was one of the best roommates I had in my college career. He had a great sense of humor, and he was very generous with his computer. Several people would regularly stop by our dorm room just to check email. I hadn’t had the chance to speak with him again after that year. He had such a generous spirit, and would give you the shirt off his own back if you needed it. My condolences to the family for their loss.

  • Paul &Patti Ackermann Posted September 13, 2020 9:46 am

    Quinn/Marty and Family – so sorry for your loss. Hugs. We’ll be keeping you in our prayers.

  • David V.H. Dollner Posted September 13, 2020 10:33 am

    Kurt and family: Both so shocked to hear of your horrific loss…..we have no words that can convey OUR feelings or ease your sorrow… we are here for you….we can listen if you need to talk….we love you all dearly… so look to God …he will heal you…and we add our prayers and deepest condolences also….

    David and Barbara Dollner…

  • Cindy Meier Posted September 13, 2020 10:54 am

    I am sorry for the loss of Derek. I knew Derek when he was a child going the Crestridge, Beveridge, and Burke. He played sports with my son, Tate, and I believe they took an autocad class together. My deepest sympathy to his family.
    Cindy Meier

  • Mark & Tanya Deras Posted September 13, 2020 12:44 pm

    Kurt, Tina and family: Sorry to here about your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
    Mark and Tanya Deras

  • Dottie Howell Posted September 13, 2020 3:40 pm

    I am deeply saddened by the loss of Derek. A life taken to soon. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Peace and love go with you. Dottie Howell and family

  • Mary Landholt Posted September 13, 2020 3:53 pm

    When I worked in CBA dean’s for over 20 years, before I retired, and I thought of David, McKnight, Jacob and Derick as the FAB 4. Tech guys with lots of knowledge and huge hearts.

    He treated me and my family as part of your family. Helping me out with my computer problems at work and knowledge to help me out with my families computer problems at home. He listened and reacted when I just needed a friend to talk to.

    The CBA team has lost a really important and loving person, Derrick, I know you will miss him with all your hearts, and I will too.
    Love to his immediate family and his CBA family.
    Mary

  • Christopher Turner Posted September 13, 2020 4:36 pm

    Quinn and family – thinking of all of you and sending you wishes. Such a loss, but also sounds like so many wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. Truly a wonderful brother, son, and friend that will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers.

  • Pooja Posted September 13, 2020 11:51 pm

    Derek, you had my back while I was studying at UNO. Everytime you checked in on me meant a lot to me than you will ever know. I’m lucky to have met you in my lifetime.

    I’m sorry for Derek’s family. Thank you for all you did for us!!

    Eternally grateful,
    Pooja

  • Jen Linden Posted September 14, 2020 8:43 am

    Kurt and Tina, I was very sad to hear the news about your son. Please know Rik and I are thinking of you and your family and will keep you in our prayers. Hugs to you. Jen & Rik

  • GREGORY MORIN Posted September 14, 2020 10:25 am

    My sincere condolences to Derek’s family and friends
    Derek was always a friendly, positive person. I will forever look to the rooms in Mammel Hall and remember him in there doing everything possible to make it the best place for all of us. The loss to us in CBA is enormous, but dwarfed by the loss of such a great person to his family.

  • Barb Henney Posted September 14, 2020 1:04 pm

    It makes me feel good that the tech ‘brains’ room will be named for him. Anytime I would be searching for help in CBA, that team was always at the ready and Derek was very dedicated to keeping things functioning efficiently.. I could tell his family loved him deeply just by the kindness he showed others. It was a great honor to know you, Derek.

  • Mike Boettcher Posted September 14, 2020 5:17 pm

    Prayers to the Geschwender family for the loss of Derek. He took a piece of our hearts when he passed. Rest in peace brother I will miss you.

  • Ru Ng Posted September 23, 2020 8:32 pm

    You’re missed, Derek. I’ve been lucky enough to have known and worked with you at UNO. Breaks my heart to know that I will not be able to bump into you again at Mammel. Prayers and deepest condolences to the family.

  • Robin Spencer Posted September 25, 2020 7:14 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all Derek was a wonderful neighbor to me and always brought joy and laughter to our neighborhood get togethers he will be greatly missed.

Sign Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *