Janet Lee Derksen

A natural born sweet girl: compassionate, caring, loyal and true-blue; you could search the world over and not find another like her. She knew the value of hard work and was tireless at helping those she loved the most. Janet Lee (Black) Derksen passed away Wednesday October 22, 2025 from complications of a long illness with frontotemporal dementia. The disease's causes are unknown; the treatment non-existent yet Janet maintained a positive attitude throughout her illness and found something to smile about every day.

The second child of C. Ray and Mildred K. Black, Janet was born June 29, 1950 in Glen Ridge, N.J. Janet's father was a career U.S. Army Warrant Officer and the family moved frequently as his duty station changed. In her preschool years, Janet lived two years in Stuttgart, Germany before the family returned to America. Janet attended first grade in a one room school in rural Pedricktown, NJ before the family moved to Tampa, FL where she finished grade school. In 1962 the family moved to Hialeah, Florida where Janet completed junior high and high school.

In 1969 Janet struck out on her own, moving to Philadelphia, PA where she worked for Blue Cross. While in Philadelphia, Janet was a regular at U.S.O. events where she met her future husband, Lee Derksen, who was then serving in the U.S. Navy. Janet and Lee were married June 25, 1972 in Hialeah.

Raised a city girl, Janet took to the outdoors like she had been born for it. She learned to love fishing, hunting and camping. She bagged a whitetail buck with the very first shot she fired while hunting. Lee understood that when he heard Janet fire a shot, it was time to pack meat! Janet's many accomplishments in outdoor sports include releasing a 10# walleye, releasing fly-caught tarpon and bonefish, successfully flyfishing Point Dexter Slough's tricky currents, bagging numerous antelope, deer, elk and a trophy Bighorn Sheep.

Janet worked at various clerical jobs in Bonners Ferry, Idaho and in Dillon, MT. For 16 years she served as office manager for Harve Wolfe, DDS in Dillon. It was in her work that Janet became friends with so many Dillon residents. Lee often said "We can't go to the grocery store without running into at least one of Janet's friends."

Janet learned Karate at the Dillon Karate Club and advanced to earn First and Second Dan Black Belt honors eventually becoming the club's leader and instructor. She especially loved working with children; helping them learn martial arts and the respect, humility and patience that are the hallmarks of the Dae Myung Martial Arts Federation. She was also a softball player and coach.

Janet was preceded in death by her father and her younger brother Douglas K. Black. She is survived by her 98 year-old mother Mildred Black of Sylva, NC, older brother Dave Black of North Topsail Beach, NC, and younger sisters Barbara Black Perry of Hockessin, DE and Sandra Black of Whittier, NC.

Janet was a loving wife, daughter, sister and friend, always thinking of others and always willing to lend an ear or some comforting words when needed. She was an excellent homemaker who enjoyed sewing, knitting, cooking, baking and especially her garden and flowers. She was a sweet and gentle soul whose presence will be greatly missed.

Janet was a Christian, baptized and confirmed in the Methodist faith. She is now at home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of Janet's life will be held later at a time to be announced.