Derrel D. Britsch

Derrel D. Britsch, 85, a longtime businessman from Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at his home with loving family at his side.

Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be on Monday, February 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, ND with Reverend JoHanna Buchholz officiating. Derrel will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Devils Lake Cemetery.

Please keep in mind the safety and health of yourself and others when attending the services. The funeral service will be live streamed on facebook.com/oslcdevilslake.

Derrel was born on May 11, 1936, at Rugby, ND, the son of Elmer and Nell (Hanson) Britsch. He was raised in York, ND the first ten years of his life. When he was in the fourth grade, his family moved to Towner, ND. Derrel graduated from Towner High School as Salutatorian of the class of 1954. He lettered in football and basketball, participated in baseball, and was tough to beat in the game of ping-pong.

Derrel continued his education at the North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau where he again lettered in football and basketball. Derrel served in the North Dakota National Guard out of Bottineau prior to putting his continued education on hold and enlisted in the United States Army in 1957. He honorably and proudly served his country, first at Fort Leonard Wood, MO then three years in Milwaukee, WI. He served with the 852 Missile Battalion and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

Derrel was united in marriage to the love of his life, Anne Ritterman on September 8, 1957, at Leeds Lutheran Church. They would establish their home in Milwaukee, where their two daughters were born. After his discharge, the family moved to Hansboro, ND and Derrel worked for Standard Oil for three years. In anticipation of the girls starting school, the family moved to Cando, ND for six months before Derrel and Anne decided it was time to start the next chapter of their life.

Derrel attended UND to pursue a degree in accounting. He earned his accounting degree, passed the CPA exam, and began a 54 year career as a CPA. His first job was as an accountant for Haskins and Sells in Portland, OR for three years, and then moved the family to Minneapolis, MN where he was employed by Broeker Hendrickson and Company and welcomed their son to the family.

Derrel opened his first accounting firm in Staples, MN where he and Anne worked side-by-side and raised their family for the next six years. In 1976, the family moved to Devils Lake, ND and would call it home. Derrel was the City Auditor and then the accountant for Porter Brothers in Minot, ND. In 1978, Derrel would open his own CPA firm in Devils Lake, which has continued through the years with the help, love, and support of Anne and his family, and with the addition of his son Steve in partnership in 1994. Derrel retired in 2019, but the firm remains a thriving business in the Devils Lake community. His beloved Anne died on December 2, 2006.

Derrel was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and served on the church council. He was chairman of the District 15 Republicans and was a North Dakota Delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1984. Derrel was a member of the North Dakota Society of CPAs and was honored by the society for 50 years of membership. He also enjoyed membership in the ELKS Lodge and was a proud graduate of UND, as were all his children, and he was an ardent supporter of UND athletics, especially the hockey team.

Derrel was all about service and family. He served his country, he served his community, and he always provided for his family. He was the first in his family to attend college and to serve in the Armed Forces. His family meant the world to him and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He enjoyed many trips with Anne and his family over the years. He also treasured his many friendships.

Derrel’s loving family include his children Susan and her husband Jeffrey Olson of Devils Lake, Sheryl Britsch of Maple Grove, MN, and Steven Britsch and his wife Barbara also of Devils Lake; grandchildren James Olson, Fargo, ND, Michael Olson, Devils Lake, Matthew Britsch and Kayla Britsch both Devils Lake; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Roy Gunderson, Buffalo, WY, Charles and Judi Ritterman, Fargo, ND, Janet Nybo, York, ND, and Leland Ritterman, Leeds, ND; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

He is welcomed home by his Lord and Savior, his parents, wife Anne, infant daughter, brother Arland Britsch, and sisters Marlys Aiello, Travis Gunderson, and Detta Joy Britsch.

Our beloved Derrel will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.