Mark J. "Gus" Dercks, Appleton, age 86, died peacefully Monday August 10, 2015 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Appleton. He was born in Little Chute on November 10, 1928 to the late Peter and Anna (Weyenberg) Dercks. Gus married Bernice Hopfensperger at Holy Cross Parish in Kaukauna on September 7, 1948. Gus was a lifelong and active member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Little Chute, where he was an usher and mass server. He was also a member and past president of the St. John Athletic Association. For work, Gus took great pride in managing the Auto Center at Sears and retired after 37 years of service.

In addition to being a man of strong faith and work ethic, Gus loved people. He truly appreciated spending time with family and friends as well as meeting new people. He enjoyed bowling, fishing (and teaching his grandchildren to fish), playing Sheepshead and visiting the family cottage on Shawano Lake. No matter where he was or who he was with, Gus was always willing to talk or watch his sports! Gus was an avid fan of the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers – even telling nurses during his final days how he was at the Ice Bowl. We know heaven he'll be cheering "Go Pack Go." Gus was a man of many great stories, each one a memory his family will treasure.

Finally, Gus expressed an unconditional love for his wife of 66 years, Bernice. His respect, commitment and compassion for her was unwavering and a positive model to his children and many others.
As mentioned, Gus is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bernice; children: Linda (Don) Eckes of Appleton; Carla (Harvey) Luebben of Neenah; and Rick (Pam) Dercks of Fond du Lac; grandchildren: Tammy (Brad) Sowinski, Stacy (Cory) Borys, Tim (Amy) Eckes, Melissa (Steve) Barry, Heather (Brian) Swearingen, Heidi (Larry) Derusha and Kevin (Melissa Tran) Luebben; great grandchildren: Andrew and Brooke Sowinski; Grace, Caden and Austin Borys; Owen and Aiden Eckes; Breah and Ivy Barry; Lexi Luebben; Ethen Steinway; and Andrea Smet; sister: Betty (Jim) Peerenboom; and sisters and brothers-in-law: Rita Dercks, Audrey Long, Gary (Barb), Dave (Mary) and May Hopfensperger. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gus was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law: Harold and Nell Hopfensperger; siblings: Sylvester and Clarence (Betty) Dercks and Marie (Harry) Vandenberg; and brothers-in-law: Pat Long, Ken and Gene Hopfensperger.

Visitation will be held Friday August 14, 2015 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 3:00 p.m. until the time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. with a dinner to follow. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery.

A special thank you to the staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and Rennes Health and Rehab Center for your professional care but also compassion and guidance to both Gus and his family.

Dear, Thank you for your love. I have been so blessed to have you as my rock and life partner. I look up to heaven and know you're smiling down on us. Love, Bernice

Dad, You've given so much of yourself to helping us along our own life journey. Thank you for being an amazing father and role model. While we are sad you're no longer here with us on earth, we feel such joy knowing you're no longer suffering but instead in heaven with our Lord. We love you and miss you dearly. Love, Your children

Grandpa, From our earliest memories, you brought fun and learning to our lives. As adults, you also showed us respect and never judged. Our lives are truly better because we were blessed with you as a grandpa. We already miss you but know you're now with Jesus and heaven has just added a special (and handsome) angel. We love you! Love, Your grandchildren