Derk Verstege, formerly of Hanover, passed away peacefully at Rockwood Terrace in Durham on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the age of 98.

Born in Holland on January 25, 1928, to the late Hendric and Jantge (née Lenselink) Verstege, Derk built a life defined by hard work, dedication, and devotion to his family. He spent many years farming and later worked as a Security Guard at Hanover & District Hospital, where his quiet strength and dependable nature were appreciated by all who knew him.

Derk was a loving father to John (Sally) of Colborne, Ben (Kathy) of Hanover, Janet (Bruce) Ahrens of Pike Bay, Clarence (Nancy) of Bedford, Nova Scotia, David (Penny) of Kitchener, and Bruce (Pam) of Haliburton.

Above all else, Derk treasured his family. He was a proud and deeply loved Opa to 16 grandchildren and was blessed to watch his family continue to grow through his many great-grandchildren. His kindness, wisdom, gentle humour, and steady presence will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Derk was the last surviving member of his immediate family and leaves behind his sister-in-law, Helen Verstege, to mourn his passing. He will also be fondly remembered by Bertus and Dineke, Annie, Debbie, and the entire Verstege and Koeslag extended families in Canada and Holland.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dineke, whom he missed dearly; a grandson in infancy; and his siblings Hank, Gerrit (Gerda), and Riek (Herman) Berenpas.

A life well lived, a family well loved, and a legacy that will continue through generations.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 12:30pm - 1:15pm where a Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 pm. For those not able to attend services, it will be livestreamed directly on the obituary page on our website, and through the Mighton Funeral Home YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@MightonFuneralHomeLtd The live stream will start approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the service - at that time, please look for the live video post on the obituary page on our website or the Funeral Home YouTube Channel to join the service.  For people unable to join at the time of the service, the live stream video will remain posted and available for viewing afterwards.

Interment in Hanover Cemetery, Hanover. 

Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca