Derek Justin Skajewski

Derek Justin Skajewski, 36, of Ham Lake, Minnesota, passed away on March 10, 2026. Born on September 29, 1989, at North Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis to Peter Skajewski and Ardella Tonga, he was the sixth of eight children.

Derek grew up in the Minneapolis area. He met Christina Iverson through his sister Harmony Skajewski, and together they had a daughter, Marleah. Throughout his life, Derek faced many obstacles yet remained hard-working, funny, smart, and kind. He was known for his quick wit and sharp comebacks. He shared a particularly close and loving bond with his mother and held deep respect for both the young people and elders in his life. He cherished all the children around him.

Derek loved working on motorcycles and cars, often spending hours tinkering in the garage. Deeply Christ-centered, he devoted considerable time to reading books on psychology, grief, and the Bible as he sought to better understand himself and the world.

He is survived by his daughter, Marleah; his parents, Peter Skajewski and Ardella Tonga; his siblings, Jamie, Joey, Petie, Ashley, Harmony, and Jasmine; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ardell Tonga and Thelma Tonga, and his sister, Lisa Marie Skajewski.