Derek Scheepers was born September 16, 1964, to Ivan and Rina Scheepers in New Jersey. He grew up in South Africa and attended schools there.

Derek was a semi-driver for Geetings, Inc. in Pella, Iowa, for most of his life. His favorite hobby was golfing, and he was a member of Pella Golf and Country Club. He had a very soft heart for animals. His dog's name was Chappie and he was his best friend. Derek also loved reading and listening to audio books, and always encouraging his daughters to read as much as possible.

Those who will cherish his memory are his daughters: Rachel Renee Scheepers and her son Blake, and Elsa Lynn Scheepers, all of Monroe, Iowa; his mother Rina Scheepers, and his siblings: Helaine Van Der Merwe, Rian Scheepers, and Ronel Kruger all of South Africa.

Derek was preceded in death by his father Ivan Scheepers.