Derrick Andrew Kleinschmidt

Derrick Andrew Kleinschmidt, aged 21, departed from this world unexpectedly on May 15th, 2024, in Mesa, AZ. Born on April 24th, 2003, to Karyn Garcia and Aaron Kleinschmidt, Derrick's presence was a source of joy and warmth to all who knew him.

From his early years, Derrick was a playful and goofy child who grew into quite a mature and reserved young man. Derrick's journey through life included notable achievements, such as his graduation from Mountain View High School in 2021. He played saxophone in the marching, jazz, and concert bands. He was well-loved by his bandmates – even described as boisterous at times.

Following high school, Derrick embraced a new role as an Adult Day Treatment Caregiver at Guthrie Mainstream Services, demonstrating his compassion and dedication to helping others. With aspirations to become a pilot, Derrick embodied a spirit of ambition and determination, always striving for the highest goals.

He was dedicated to being hard-working and having the biggest dreams. Outside of work, Derrick's generosity knew no bounds, he was a selfless, loyal, and giving young man. He was always willing to give his time and resources to anyone in need. Whether growing out and donating his hair or lending a hand to his friends and family’s business ventures, selflessness touched the hearts of many. He radiated love and support to his friends and family, embodying the true meaning of kindness. This extended beyond people – Derrick also never met a cat that he did not want to bring home and care for.

His courage shone brightly in his endeavors to always try something new. While he pursued new activities and skills, he encouraged others to do the same and urged them to keep trying. Derrick’s originality appeared in his amazing artistry, musicality, unique humor, and strong beliefs. His creativity was unmatched. Derrick’s intelligence presented itself in his attempts to converse with anyone, his goals, investments, and the company he chose to keep.

Derrick was an avid gamer who particularly enjoyed Fallout, the Arkham series and Spiderman titles. He also spent countless hours playing Call of Duty with his close cousin Autumn Bruhn and friends. Beyond video games, he spent many hours shooting darts with his friends and family, as Derrick loved “hanging with the homies”. In part, his love of darts was derived from his love for any sports.

His passion for football, particularly his devotion to the Chiefs as anyone who knew him understood, was legendary. Derrick enjoyed discussing all things Chiefs year-round. From bantering with his sister over the Chiefs and Broncos rivalry at any opportunity, donning his Chiefs gear, traveling to Kansas City for the NFL draft with his father, declaring anyone that was currently on the roster as the best ever at the position, or participating online with other fans or NFL players.

Derrick's love for sports also led him to explore new interests, from bowling to golfing, each adventure marked by his infectious enthusiasm. He enjoyed bowling and had been a member of a league with close family and later his own team. Derrick most recently had expressed his desire to pick up golfing and enjoyed outings to Top Golf, the driving range, and full golf courses with his cousins and friends. Derrick had the brightest soul, kindest heart, and coolest demeanor. He will be cherished and missed greatly by all.

He is survived by his father Aaron (wife Rae), his mother Karyn (husband Ruben), sisters Meagan Kleinschmidt (fiancé Shawn Mullins) and Kaylin Golliet, brothers Evan Markwell, Michael and Ruben Golliet, and newborn nephew Grayson Mullins. Also surviving him are many grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Kleinschmidt family.

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A celebration of life gathering for Derrick will be held Friday, June 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mariposa Gardens San Tan Venue, 6747 East Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206, followed by a celebration of life from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.