Derence, John P. age 76 of Andover. Preceded in death by parents John & Rose. Survived by wife Chong, children Koreen (John) Hays, Karisa (Dan) Merrill, John (Liliana) and Jessica (Jake) Ruud, grandchildren Chelsea, John, Joshua and River, siblings Lindsey Derence, Mary Derence, Angel (Bernie) Kopcie and David (Lea) Derence, niece & nephew. Funeral Services Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11 am at Riverdale Church, 3210 Bunker Lake Boulevard, NW, Andover. Visitation one hour prior to services at the Church. Interment Morningside Memorial Gardens, Coon Rapids. John was the most loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a wonderful & devoted man of God whose impact will be forever felt by his family, friends & his Sunday School members that love him dearly. His passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones. His genuine characteristics to brighten a room, talk to anyone, make you laugh and his ability to teach, love, support and provide will be forever engrained in all he knew. John attended Zion Bible College and received a certificate in Bible and Pastoral Stories where he was also Vice-President of his Class, Yearbook Editor and involved in Traveling Ministries.  He graduated from North Central Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies. He received his first Master's Degree from Fort Hays State University in Counseling Psychology.  John received his second Master's Degree from Bethel Seminary in Biblical Studies.  During that time he taught Biblical Studies and Psychology at North Central Bible University and was Chaplain intern at the Swedish Hospital.  He then went to Brown University and obtained a Certificate in Computer Programming.  He received his third Master's Degree from the University of St. Thomas in Computer Software Engineering.

John taught adult Sunday School for over 20 years at Riverdale Church & Brookdale Christian Center. He was devoted to his teachings, students and loved to share the teachings of the Bible & love and blessings of God.

He was truly one of a kind and will always live on in our memories.