SHOREWOOD – Derek K. Pope, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2018. Derek was born in Racine on March 22, 1989 to Susan Deschler. Derek attended school at St. Edwards as well as in Kenosha and Burlington School Districts. He also attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Derek played many sports, including soccer, street hockey, basketball, and tennis. He enjoyed hiking outdoors, listening to music, playing guitar, and reading books. While attending UW-Milwaukee, he worked at Caribou Coffee and in 2011 met the love of his life and best friend, Elsa Rivera-Dominguez. They shared a home in Shorewood with their two "fur babies", Woody and Danni. Derek had been employed in the Sales Department of International Autos BMW for the past 6 years, until he was recently hired as an Arborist-Intern for the City of Milwaukee. Derek will be deeply missed by his mother, Susan Deschler of Colorado; his sister, Ashley Pope of Colorado; and twin brothers, Collin Oakes of Arizona and Kyle Oakes of Racine. He is also survived by his grandparents, Jerry and Kay Deschler of Franksville; uncle, Scott (Debra) Deschler; cousins, Michael and Amanda; godmother, Christa Thompson; and special great-aunt, Patti Tures. Derek is also survived by Elsa, her family and many friends. When Derek was 4 years old, net met his lifelong friend, Luke Kuper. Luke honored Derek in 2016 by naming his only son, Charles Derek Kuper. Immediate family and close friends will celebrate Derek's life at the Racine Civic Centre, 5 Fifth Street, on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This venue is located near the hospital where he was born and overlooks Lake Michigan where Derek spent time at each morning. Any donation may be made to the National Park Foundation at https://www.nationalparks.org or the WI DNR at https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/endangeredresources/donateonline.asp.