Peter Derheim   (Science - Arthur Hill High School)
1922 - 2009

Peter Derheim passed peacefully in his sleep December 26, 2009, at Health Source following a lengthy illness. He was 87 years old.  Peter was born May 10, 1922 in Tappen, North Dakota, one of seven children of the late William and Katherina (Krein) Derheim. He was a graduate of Tappen High School, received his Bachelor of Science degree from North Central College, Naperville, IL, and his Masters of Education degree from University of Michigan.

A proud U.S. Marine, Peter served his country as an aviation electrician stationed in the Pacific from March 1943 to February 1946 and ended his military service as Staff Sergeant. Peter began his teaching career in Epping, ND; a year later he moved to Saginaw where he taught science classes and, later, served as Assistant Principal at the former Webber Junior High School. He enjoyed 18 years at Webber before transferring to South Intermediate as Assistant Principal in 1970. Because teaching was Peter’s real love he returned to the classroom, teaching science and working in the Guidance Center at Arthur Hill High School for 12 years before retiring in 1984.

In retirement golf became a passion and he played nearly every day during the season. Gardening and photography were also special hobbies, as was traveling. When his children were younger, many family camping trips around the country were used as ‘mobile classrooms.’ Peter met and married Dorothy Marks June 7, 1952, at First Baptist Church, Saginaw, where they have been members for 57 years. Through the years Peter served on various boards and committees, taught Sunday school, ushered and helped build the addition on the original church building on Johnson Street. Peter was a faithful and committed husband and father and touched literally hundreds of lives in his 33-year teaching career.

 Left to mourn his passing are Dorothy, his wife of 57 years; three children: Karen & Tom Randall, Edmond, OK; Alan & Michele Derheim, Manchester, MI; Don & Diane Derheim, San Francisco, CA; five grandsons: Jakob, Luke & Paul Derheim, Manchester, MI; Konrad & Evan Derheim, San Francisco, CA; two sisters and one brother: Martha (Ervin) Stadel, Jamestown, ND, Tobea Chapman, Lewiston, ID, and Walter Derheim, St. Paul, MN. Three other siblings predeceased him: Mary Stellema, Paul Derheim, and Tillie Doerr. Special brothers and sisters in-law include Stanley & Juanita Marks, Stuart, FL, Kathleen Stewart, Canton, MI; Kenneth and Madge Marks, predeceased Peter; also many nieces and nephews.