Stephen Koch Derwelis

Stephen Koch Derwelis, DVM, age 84, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dr. Steve Derwelis was the only child of Henry Oscar Derwelis Jr. and Evelyn Koch Derwelis of Collinsville, IL.

Steve chose veterinary medicine at a very early age. From age 6 through high school, he accompanied his local veterinarian on house calls. When he got to college, Steve excelled academically and made lifelong friends in his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, and among his veterinary school classmates. Steve earned undergraduate honors at the University of Illinois, and his name was inscribed on the main library's University Bronze Tablet in 1964. Steve graduated from the University of Illinois Veterinary School in 1966 as the Valedictorian of his veterinary class. After college, Steve joined the military and attained the highest scholastic ranking in his Air Force class. He served as an Air Force Captain at the 6571st Aeromedical Research Lab at Holloman Air Force Base, in Alamogordo, NM, where he studied and cared for chimpanzees and other primates associated with NASA's early space explorations. It was also at Holloman where Steve met his wife, Lillian Bobkowski, of Los Angeles, California, who was employed observing the chimps.

Steve and Lillian moved to Los Ranchos de Albuquerque in 1968 where he began a solo mixed animal practice that became North Valley Veterinary Clinic. The practice grew and employed many veterinarians, technicians, and staff over the years. Steve was one of the founders of the first Emergency Clinic for small animals in Albuquerque. In 1990, he limited his practice to horses as the owner of New Mexico Equine, Inc. He enjoyed all horse medicine, particularly surgery and evaluating lameness. He promoted continuing education while serving as President of the Albuquerque Veterinary Association, received the 2011 NMVMA Distinguished Service Award, co-founded the New Mexico Academy of Veterinary Practice, served as the Treasurer of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Dr. D retired from handling horses and applied his expertise to racehorse consulting and radiographic evaluations.

Steve enjoyed fishing, golf, tennis, hunting, college basketball, football, and, in particular, cheered for the Chicago Bears, the Illinois Illini, and the UNM Lobos. Steve enjoyed ski trips and other adventures traveling with friends and colleagues. He treasured time spent with his dogs and riding horses and mules. When unable to pursue these activities, Doc enthusiastically fought Parkinson's with friends at Rock Steady Boxing.

Steve is survived by his cherished family: wife and best friend of 57 years, Lillian of Los Ranchos, NM; daughter, Natalie (Richard) Dahringer of Albuquerque, NM; son, Daniel of Fairview, TN; granddaughters, Jillian and Katherine Dahringer; and grandsons, Lucas and Andrew Derwelis.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., at the FRENCH - Westside Chapel. All friends are encouraged to share their stories. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations made in Steve's name to The AAEP Foundation for the Horse, the University of Illinois Veterinary School, or Rock Steady Boxing of Albuquerque.* "Nothin' Lasts Forever." -Delbert McClinton

* The Foundation for the Horse, AAEP, 4033 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 S. Lincoln, BSB MC-002, Urbana, IL 61802.

Rock Steady Boxing of Albuquerque, 8900 San Mateo NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.