Derek Jon Gerdes

Master Sergeant Derek Jon Gerdes, USA Retired, 63, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away on October 6, 2025, after a lifetime of honor, service, and devotion to his country and those he held dear.

Born in Sioux Center, Iowa, on September 27, 1962, Derek moved with his family to Shelby, Nebraska, in 1978. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1981, followed by Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska.

Derek enlisted in the United States Army on November 30th, 1983 and served with distinction before retiring after 29 years. Derek was a true warrior that challenged himself by pursuing a career in the most challenging units in the United States Army. His first assignment was with the 1st Ranger Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. He served in every role in a Ranger platoon from rifleman, to machine gunner to team leader with multiple deployments to Central America, earning German jump wings and completing both the Jungle Warfare Operators Course and the Pathfinder Course. While assigned to the 1st Ranger BN, Derek competed in The Best Ranger Competition twice. After successfully serving in the Rangers, Derek tried out for Special Forces, successfully graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to 10th Special Forces Group as a Weapons Sergeant to Operational Detachment Alpha 062. Derek was immediately recognized by his leadership and was recommended to attend the demanding Combat Diver Qualification Course. After several exemplary years and numerous successful deployments, Derek once again challenged himself and completed the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (1st SFOD-D) assessment, selection and training process. Upon completion, Derek served as a team member and breacher. Derek went on to achieve positions of increased responsibility culminating with an assignment developing capabilities for future generations of Special Operations Soldiers.

In the course of his long and impressive career, MSG Gerdes’ awards and decorations included, Pathfinder Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Master Combat Diver Badge, Special Operations Diving Supervisor Badge, Bronze German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and Special Forces Tab. Derek’s medals include multiple awards of The Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and 9 Good Conduct Medals.

During his 29 year long career, Derek participated in many sensitive missions and real world deployments. He earned a reputation as a skilled Operator, solid tactician, and trusted professional.

Upon retirement, Derek continued his commitment to his country by serving in organizations that support the military community he served. He provided capability development to the Asymmetric Warfare Group, enhancing that unit and the Army's ability to defeat emerging threats. He also conducted analysis of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) capabilities and supported wargaming efforts. While supporting these efforts, Derek wrote proposals and managed contracts ensuring tasks were on time and on budget while taking great care of his team.

Derek’s passions ran deep and true. He loved his loyal dog Hector, his “grand-dog” Mila, and the hum of his Harley Davidson. He loved experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen and on his smokers. He always took risks on the spiciest food he could find. He never turned down a challenge, a story, or a seat around the table with family and friends.

He met life with a calm resolve. He was steadfast and stoic with a quick wit that surfaced at just the right time.

His daughter was the light of his life, his greatest joy and proudest legacy. Everyone who knew him knew how deeply he loved her. A love that shaped both their lives in the most meaningful way.

He is survived by his daughter Kathryn; mother Donna; sisters Darla (Ronald) Hopwood and Brenda (Kenneth) Toline; nephew Seth (Alyson) Hopwood and nieces Carolina (Anthony) Benda, Madelyn Hopwood, and Kristen Phillips; a great-niece and several great-nephews. He is also survived by Deanne Gerdes and countless friends and brothers he served alongside.

Derek was preceded in death by his nephew, Caelan Hopwood, brother, Todd Gerdes, and father, Herman Gerdes.

Derek's Celebration of Life will be held at Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. (BHAWK) in Southern Pines, N.C. on Thursday, November 20, 2025. All who wish to express condolences are welcome to join the family from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. A private memorial will be held thereafter from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for the brothers he served alongside and their families. Derek will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, where his life of dedicated service will be honored.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Derek’s honor to Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation (www.taskforcedagger.org), supporting veterans.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

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