Billy Dean Derowitsch, 78, was born to Elmer and Bernice (Elliot) Derowitsch, on July 10, 1932, on the family farm, rural
Belleville
. He died August 18, 2010, at Long Term Care,
Belleville
,
KS
. After graduating from
Belleville
High School
in 1950, he served in the US Navy until 1953. Upon discharge from the service, he returned to
Belleville
and joined his father in business, operating Derowitsch Construction until his retirement in 2004. He enjoyed a richly blessed life with family and many friends, in Church and social activities, never missing an opportunity to share his faith and humor with those he met. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Max Derowitsch. He is survived by his wife, Catherine of the home. Daughter, Cindy Dempster and husband Rick of Manhattan; son, Kevin and wife Deanna of Belleville; daughter, Linda Thumann and husband Brett of Belleville. Also seventeen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Jason Sorell and wife Holly, children Leah and Lily of Seoul, South Korea; James Sorell and wife Sarah, children Abbie and Asher of Olathe, KS; Melissa Shinkle and husband Jerry, children Kaitlyn and Anna of Olathe, KS; Matthew Sorell and wife Fiord, children Mia, Eva, and Lucas of Hannibal, MO; John Demptser; Rachel Bembry and husband Derek; Rebecca Dempster; Richard Dempster; Sarah Dempster; Samuel Dempster, all of Manhattan. Megan Love and husband Micheal of Hutchinson, KS; Alyssa Millington and husband Brian of Grand Island, NE; Brenna Derowitsch of Belleville, KS; Brady Thumann of Lincoln, NE; Shay, Sam, and Ava Thumann of Belleville, KS. He is also survived by sister, Virleen Mumm of
Chester
,
NE
; sister Bernita Donaldson and husband Don of Fort Wayne, IN; and sister-in-law Huetta Derowitsch of
Chester
,
NE
; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, August 21, at
Belleville
Wesleyan
Church
, Pastor Mark McGregor, officiating. Burial with Military Rites by the United States Naval Honor Guard was in
Belleville
City
Cemetery
. Memorials are suggested to Meadowlark Hospice. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home,
Belleville
, was in charge of arrangements.
