Derek McKenzie Rold, age 40, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Derek was born in Lincoln, NE, August 24, 1984, to William "Bill" & Valerie Rold, and welcomed into the world by his sister Jessica Rold.

Derek grew up in Crete, NE attending Crete Elementary, Crete Middle School & graduating from Crete High School in 2003. Derek played soccer on club teams and for Crete High School. He went to Doane College graduating with a BA degree in Biology in May of 2007.

Derek was known for his quick wit, dry humor & unforgettable one-liners, often delivered with that signature grin that everyone who knew him remembered. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, & hunting. He could always be found kicking a soccer ball or joining in whatever sport his girls, Hazel & Nora were practicing. Derek cherished every moment with them, and his face lit up in their presence. He also had a passion for cooking & took pride in preparing meals for his girls. Each holiday season he put up Christmas lights climbing to the tallest peak of the house; lighting up the neighborhood. His love, laughter and that unforgettable grin will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Perhaps Derek's greatest joy in life was being a dad to Hazel & Nora. He enjoyed attending their school, sports & church activities. They also spent hours swimming during the summer months.

Derek was preceded in death by his father William "Bill" Rold. He is survived by his daughters Hazel & Nora Rold & their mother Marie (Rolf) Rold; parents Dan & Valerie Papik; grandfather, Doug Row; sister Jessica (Randall) Shelton; stepbrother Logan (Stephanie) Papik; Uncles, aunts & cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for his daughters: Benefit Account for Hazel & Nora Rold at any Pinnacle Bank location.  You can also call Crete Pinnacle bank to make a contribution by phone at 402-826-2121.

A visitation will be held at Kuncl Funeral Home, 131 W 12th St, Crete, NE on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2 pm – 4 pm. A celebration of life service will be held Monday, May 19th, 10:30 a.m. at Radiant Springs Church, 1910 W 12th St, Crete, NE. There will be a grave side service immediately following the service at Riverside Cemetery, 1308 W 13th St, Crete, NE. Following the graveside service there will be a lunch at the VFW Club, 130 W 13th St, Crete, NE.