Dorothy Derbis-Stolk

Dorothy Derbis-Stolk went to Heaven on September 23, 2023. She was born in Kalamazoo, MI and had 99 birthdays, the first being January 10, 1924. She was loved by all who knew her. Dorothy lived her life by an angelical compass and loving demeanor which guided her to appreciate each person she met. We will always remember her beautiful smile. Dorothy married the love of her life Victor Derbis, on June 12, 1942.

Dorothy and Victor Derbis were blessed with two daughters, Bonnie and Carol.

Dorothy was always happiest when spending time with her family. Victor and Dorothy had a home on Long Lake Dr., where they had many family gatherings. Her family grew and her love grew through the years with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She looked forward to all family gatherings.  

Victor passed July 4, 1995 after 53 years of marriage. 

Dorothy attended Langeland’s bereavement classes where each person shared photos of their lost one. Peter Stolk spoke of his wife, Arlene, their marriage of 53 years and that he had been a builder. Dorothy thought Peter and his father may have built their first home on Franklin Circle.  Carol suggested her mom ask Peter if he remembered the home on Franklin Circle. He did. He asked if she would like to meet for coffee and see the actual cost to build their home. Their friendship blossomed and they were married in November 1996. Was that a Coincidence? Many believe, “ Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”  

Dorothy and Peter were members and attended worship at Hope Church. Dorothy and Pete moved to Bradenton, FL for the weather and to live near Bonnie and Marty. 

Dorothy enjoyed working in Word Fine books, watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Court TV, plus waiting on her porch for the Postman. She looked forward to each of my visits and it also meant we’d be baking pierogies for everyone. She loved to bake and cook. Another enjoyment was waiting nightly for her phone calls from her daughter, Carol at 6:30pm. Now I feel lost each night at 6:30pm…

The family had planned a gathering to celebrate her 100th birthday, in Bradenton, FL, at the home she now shared with Bonnie and Marty.  The family had invited everyone to attend. Several family members did gather and we celebrated Dorothy’s life. Bonnie and I were blessed having two loving father’s, Victor and Pete. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her grandson, Timothy Vorst; her mother, Agnes and father Jacob; stepmother, Myrtle; brother, Jack; and sister Beverly.

Dorothy is survived by two daughter’s, Bonnie (Marty) Vikis, Carol (Edward) Ervin; daughter-in-law Margie Stolk; sister Nadine (Dick) VanDam; brother Phillip (Peggy) Sturman; grandchildren: Kelly (Cheryl) Vikis, Christine and (Chuck) Towns, wife of grandson, Timothy, Gail Vorst, and Jimie Neidlinger; great grandchildren: Wes, Erica, Tiffany, Todd, Morgan, Justin, Jessica and Jordyn; great great grandchildren Skyler Vikis, Mia Vikis, Kayden Phillips and Madi Phillips.  

Dorothy will be laid to rest privately at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park South, Kalamazoo MI.  

We know Dorothy is now with God in Heaven.