"I was so sad to hear of Derric's passing today, When Derric was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Gurnee I was privileged to meet him. When I found out he didn't have a car, I would pick him up and take him home after daily mass. He was the most spititual and holy man I ever met. I can picture him in the arms of Jesus at the door of heaven. His special and beloved Mother Mary was close beside. I hope to meet you again dear Friend,"
In loving memory of
Donald William Mast
July 18, 1959 - January 8, 2019
Donald "Derric" Mast, 59, of Des Moines, IA joined the Lord in heaven on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at Basilica of St. John Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa. A private family burial will be held at a later date in Missouri.
Derric was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa on July 18, 1959 to Wayne and Delores Jean (Porter) Mast. He graduated from Delwood High School with the class of 1977. After graduation Derric attended Wartburg College. Derric found inspiration when he spent a semester in Germany during college and stayed for ten years working as a language instructor. Upon his return to the United States, Derric worked for Disney Theme Parks as well as the Disney Cruise Line in Orlando Florida. He then subsequently worked for the Neilson Corporation in New York City until he retired in 2009.
Derric was a devout catholic and member of the Basilica of St. John Catholic Church and also belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He loved attending mass, learning new languages, reading, cooking, traveling and caring for his cat Simba. Derric was an avid Duke basketball and Florida State football fan. He enjoyed volunteering and serving others particularly being able to take communion to those in area hospitals.
He will be remembered by his siblings John (Gale) Mast, Diane Reagan, Adam (Alberto) Mast, David Mast and Brenda (Ansgar Olsen) Mast, 6 nieces, 3 nephews, and many close friends.
Derric was preceded in death by his mother Delores Jean Mast.
Celebrate Life Iowa, in West Des Moines, has been entrusted with the care of Derric and his family.
Tributes
"Derric was one of the nicest persons a person could ever meet. I knew Derric for over a year and met him at St. Johns Basilica here in Des Moines Iowa. We had many chats together and above all he loved Jesus above all things. He really cared for everyone he met and would do anything for you. We at the Basilica will miss him want his relatives we were so blessed to have known him. Bye Derric and i hope i will see you above someday .See you later good friend. Bill Strathman"