Derk S. Schrijver

Derk Sander Schrijver, born in Curaçao, raised in the Netherlands, and long-time resident of Elmira, New York, passed away suddenly on June 29, 2024 at the age of 53.

Derk was a dual citizen of both the United States and the Netherlands. At the age of 18 he came to the US with his mother and went on to enlist in the United States Army, followed by enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, of which he was very proud. While there, he received a Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, Rifle Expert Badge, and National Defense Service Medal, eventually being honorably discharged from service as a Lance Corporal. An active member of the community, he first worked for Coyne Textiles, Weis Markets, and Ryan’s Distribution. Finally, he proudly served the last 18 years of his life as a New York State Correction’s Officer at the Elmira Correctional Facility in Elmira, New York.

Derk liked to spend his free time serving and coaching others. Whether it was coaching football for the Elmira Small Fry and Thomas Edison High School, or as a part of the Elmira Hellhounds Rugby team, he loved to elevate others. He was also very proud to serve as part of the Honor Guard for the New York State Department of Corrections. He loved to golf, play rugby, go camping, NASCAR, and to hang out with family and friends regardless of the occasion. Always up for a beverage, karaoke, or a dip in the pool, he would welcome anyone with open arms. He especially loved visiting the beach in Barefoot Bay, Florida, where he was already part of the family and where he eventually wanted to retire. He was a beloved member of our community in so many ways. His proudest accomplishment and newfound passion was being an “Opa” to his granddaughter Wrenleigh.

He is preceded in death by his parents – Robert Bernhard Hendrik Dirk Schrijver and Nancy Edwina (Grubb) Schrijver, and chosen family, Bas Luijendijk and Roos Luijendijk.

He is survived by: his beloved wife Laura (Kasper) Schrijver; daughter Makenzie Bates and husband Austin, and granddaughter Wrenleigh C. Bates; stepmother Edith Schrijver; step-daughter Rebecca Young; step-son Erik Young and partner Evelyn Chevere; sister Katherine Tilton and family; sister-in-law Kathleen Marcus and husband Andrew; brother-in-law Martin Kasper and partner Erica Cummings; aunt Susan Jennings; mother-in-law Dorothy Johnson; Paul Voit and family; Louis Voit and family;  father-in-law Laurence Kasper and wife Diane; step-sisters-in-law - Barbara Degnan and husband Andrew, and Lynn Sullivan and husband Joe; cherished friends and family: Edna Luijendijk; Karim Luijendijk and family, Scott Aspell with his fiancée Faith Burgess, and daughter Brianna Aspell; Greg and Hope Davis and their children; Robert Glacken, Darrell and Kathy Cook and family, goddaughter Megan Cook, Lynn and Dave Burdick; special friend Kellie Faulkner; and many other nieces, nephews, and beloved friends and family.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours at Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue in Elmira on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM, when military honors will be rendered and his funeral service will begin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his granddaughter Wrenleigh Bates’ College Fund. Donations may be made directly to the family or at any Chemung Canal Trust Company location.