Loading ...Pine City 2012 Graduate Passes Away After Leukemia Battle
Former Pine City High School 2012 graduate Derek Rootkie passed away over the weekend. Rootkie garnered an incredible amount of public support over the past seven plus months since he was diagnosed with leukemia.
All around Pine City, support for Derek and his family could be seen in the form of signs on car windows, in store fronts, and even on T-shirts. Rootkie passed away on Saturday at Amplatz Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Several weeks ago he received a bone marrow transplant, but shortly thereafter, calls for prayers went out from family and friends as Derek fought the terrible disease.
Services are being planned.
Posted in: Local News
Cathy 09/10/12 at 8:22am
Prayers for Dereks family and friends-
jesse 09/10/12 at 9:03am
I concur Cathy, it’s terrible news. We at WCMP send thoughts and prayers to Derek’s family and friends as they grieve the loss of a tremendous young man.
PineCoResident 09/10/12 at 10:01am
I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but prayed for him and his family through out his battle with cancer. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Thoughts & prayer for his family and friends.
bob 09/10/12 at 10:58am
Derek, was an amazing young man… his smile and joy will be missed..He was the person everyone wanted to be, heart bigger than Texas and his passion for life was untouchable…..he showed the world what it is to be selfless….i was honored to have him in my life and today he can rest with no pain…. Pine city lost a legend… he will never be forgotten
Elizabeth Moline 09/10/12 at 12:05pm
He sounded like an amazing person. I am so sorry for your lost. My prayers are will his family and relatives and friend’s. My condolences to all.
Jane 09/10/12 at 3:36pm
I am so sorry for you very hurtful loss. Praying for all family and and friends as you grieve. Now he may rest in peace and without pain. He fought with a heart full of courage. RIP Derek…
Julie Werner 09/10/12 at 4:37pm
We are so sad to hear of your loss- there is nothing more terrible for a mom and dad than to lose a child. The entire community shares your loss. Your entire family is being lifted up in thoughts and prayers today.
PCHS Alum 09/11/12 at 6:51am
I grew up in Pine City and have family there so I’m a frequent visitor. I did not know Derek personally but kept him in my thoughts and prayers — and the amazing show of support from the Pine City community made me proud. Derek’s earthly battle is over, but he is always and forever a warrior and a winner. He ubdoubtedly drew strength from the show of support from the home town — and for that, you are all winners.
Lynn 09/11/12 at 8:10am
Prayers and peace to your family. May Derek’s memory continue to live through each of you. Although I did not know Derek, I know people who loved and cared for him. His disease brought many people together. May that support continue in the days and years ahead. It is with a sad heart that I write these words. Hugs, prayers, and tears for Derek and for all who knew him.
Bill Saumer 09/11/12 at 11:21am
When the announcement was made at church on Sunday by Msgr. Alek of Derek’s passing, many people in the church immediately were saddened and tears were shed. This is one of those tragedies that people ask, “Why did this happen?” It just does not seem fair. We need more people like Derek. I am proud of my community, however, and I encouraged by the unity showed by so many people for Derek.
Jane 09/12/12 at 11:47am
Derke was someone that I read and heard about, unfortunately I never got the opportunity to meet him. As I read these comments I ditto them in saying that my prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. He is no longer in pain and is resting peacefully. My prayer and hope to his family, friends and community is that you will find comfort knowing that Derek was loved by everyone and that he touched so many lives of those that he never even meet. That the courage and the example(s) that he left behind will not be forgotten. That he is with God and that everday he will be watching you and looking down at you with the his unbelieveable smile. God Bless each of you!