Obituary

Derrick J. Reick, 39, of Kendallville died Friday, April 23, 2010, in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Derrick graduated from East Noble High School in 1988. He worked at Reliable Tool, the Budd Company, and for 13 years at Citation in Albion as a machine operator.

Derrick attended the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville, and in his youth was an Altar Boy. He belonged to the S.A.L. at American Legion Post 381 in Rome City.

Derrick had many hobbies, including deer hunting, fishing, rock concerts, NASCAR, and all sports. He was a loyal and sincere fan of the Denver Broncos. He enjoyed television, music, reading, and movies.

Derrick will be remembered for his kind heart, crazy sense of humor, and love and loyalty to friends and family.

Derrick James Reick was born in Kendallville on June 13, 1970, to James H. and Marianna (Nartker) Reick.

Besides his parents who reside on Sylvan Lake, Derrick is survived by his loyal Shih Tzu, "Seven" (named after Bronco quarterback, John Elway); a sister and brother-in-law, Natalie and Mike Axel of Kendallville; three nephews, Drew Sparkman, Trevor Sparkman, and Benjamin Axel; a niece, Jordan Axel; his aunts and uncles, Richard & Gail Nartker of Fort Wayne, Dennis Nartker of Kendallville, and Nancy Reick of Greeley, Colorado; cousins, Beth & Dean Hoffman of Scottsdale, Arizona, Babette & Rick Husted of Fort Wayne, Brett Nartker of Fort Wayne, Jennifer Long of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kristen & Steve Johnson of Kendallville.

Derrick is also survived by many close friends who shared Derrick's love and zest for life.

He was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Howard & Helen Reick, and Clarence & Edythe Nartker; and a caring aunt, Judy Reick Long.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kendallville, with Father Jim Stoyle officiating. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville.

Honorary casketbearers will be Drew Sparkman, Trevor Sparkman, Jordan Axel, Benjamin Axel, and "Seven".

Active casketbearers will be Billy Nartker, Jason Maxon, Shawn Hageman, Matt Moore, Steve Widmer, Brian Buckles, Ronnie Payne, and Toby Rice.

Calling will be Tuesday, April 27, 2010, from 2 to 8 p.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville.

Preferred memorials are to the Noble County Humane Society in honor of Derrick's dog, "Seven", the Axel family's dog, "Daisy", and Jim & Marianna's dog and former shelter resident, "J.J.".

View a video tribute or send condolences to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com