Montezuma - Derk L. Hedlund, 65, died October 6, 2023 at Meade District Hospital.  He was born on September 25, 1958 in Dodge City, the son of Harold Albert and Zoa (McReynolds) Hedlund.

Derk was a lifetime resident of Montezuma.  He graduated from Montezuma High School in 1976 and went on to further his education at Fort Hays State University.  While at Fort Hays, Derk was a member of the Fort Hays State Singers. Singing was a natural gift for Derk; he used his voice as a blessing to others at church, weddings and funerals.

Following graduation, Derk joined his family and started a long career at Montezuma State Bank. On June 7, 1986, Derk was united in marriage to Nola Rempel in Protection.  After their marriage, the couple made their home in Montezuma. Three sons, Levi, Logan, and Lane were born to complete their family. Derk continued to operate in the bank until his retirement in 2004.

Derk was an active member of the Montezuma community, serving on the USD 371 School Board and the Montezuma Hospital Board. He worked in various capacities within the Montezuma United Methodist Church. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, and riding Harleys.  Derk passed on his love of many hobbies to his three sons. As they started participating in school activities, Derk could be found attending games and concerts.  He loved to spend time with his grandchildren.

Derk is survived by his wife, Nola; three sons, Levi Hedlund and wife Megan of Copeland; Logan Hedlund and wife Kelsey of Montezuma; and Lane Hedlund and wife Lexi of Kansas City, Missouri; four grandchildren, Luke, Calvin, Leah and Jack Derksen; a brother, Ty Hedlund of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Jan Hedlund of Manhattan; cousin Gayle Fry and husband Andee of Montezuma; mother-in-law, Alta Rempel of Meade; brother-in-law, Steve Rempel and wife Sandy of Lenexa; sisters-in-law, Donna Roulhac of Hesston; and DeAnn Rempel of Ashland; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Chris and Kyle Hedlund; a sister-in-law, Janie Hedlund; father-in-law, Will Rempel; and a great niece, Zoie Beth Gates.

Graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Montezuma on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Kyle Woodrow presiding.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Monday, October 9, 2023 from noon to 8:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 5-7 PM.  Memorials are suggested to the Montezuma United Methodist Church, Meade District Hospital, or the South Gray Reading Literacy Program in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.