Derrick Emerson Smith

Derrick Emerson Smith, “Bangii Ogimaa” meaning “Little Chief”, age 37, of Minneapolis, MN, journeyed to the spirit world on Friday, March 31, 2023, from the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. He was born on June 24, 1985, in Grand Rapids, MN, the son of Stacey Smith and Robert Gotchie, Sr.

Derrick liked playing basketball, golf, and football when he was younger. He was an amazing artist; his drawings were truly something to see! Derrick enjoyed barbequing. He was a very friendly man and preferred to surround himself with his friends. “Derrick for Real” was his “street name” because of his loyal, respectful, sincere, genuine personality. He was always a giving man, even if it was his last smoke, dollar, or extra shirt, he would give if you asked. Derrick was a lady’s man. The adventurous young man never put any roots down as he chose to live a spontaneous life and go with the flow. Derrick was the man that if he said he was going to do something, he did it, and if his friends needed him, he was there. Derrick will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those greeting Derrick in the spirit world are his grandparents, Hazel and Emerson Smith, Theresa Smith; aunts, Sonya Smith, Charlotte Banks-Wagner; uncles, Jackie Smith, Dennis, and Mark Banks; and brother, Anthony “Tone” Smith.

Derrick is survived by his mom, Stacey Smith; dad, Robert Gotchie, Sr.; foster mom, Traci Kapella Kasper; foster dad, Craig Seelye; son, DeChayne Ellis; brother, Robert Gotchie, Jr.; sisters, Billie Jean (Josh) Wipper, Cari Fisher, Kimberly (Shane) Robinson, Rose (Jon) Robinson, Jodi Klammer, Kayla Seelye, Samara Lohnes; nieces, Adoniya Smith, Jennifer Wipper, Hazel Smith, Harmony Robinson; nephews, Malachi Wipper, Logan Wipper, Cole Fisher, Roy Lovelace, Jr., Zachary Wipper, Jon Schneider III, Elijah Robinson, Bryson Oehler; numerous other family members and friends.

An overnight wake for Derrick will begin on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. and continue until his Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 10:00 a.m. service all to be held at the Onigum Community Center in Onigum/Walker, MN. Derrick’s Spiritual Advisor is Allen Hardy. Those helping to lay Derrick to rest are Josh Wipper, Jon Schneider, Jr., Shane Oehler, Byron Brown, Logan Wipper, Malachi Wipper, and Kyle Llanas. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Forcia, all Derrick’s family, and friends. Interment will be in St. John’s Episcopal Cemetery in Old Agency, MN.

Derrick’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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