April Rose Derleth, 56, passed away this past Monday, March 21, 2011 in her home in Sauk City, Wisconsin by natural causes. Her brother, Walden, and her children, Damon Derleth, Danielle Jacobs, and her Aunt Hildred Anderson survive her. She is also survived by her mother, Sandra Kiser, and by four half-sisters: Tracy Kiser, Kathryn Kiser Goss, Valerie Kiser Shore, and Margaret Kiser Normoyle.
April was born August 9, 1954. Her father, August Derleth, was an author and co-founded Arkham House Publishers in 1939 with author Donald Wandrei for the sole purpose of publishing H.P. Lovecraft. After August Derleth's death in 1971, both April and her brother Walden became owners of Arkham House. In 1994, April became majority stockholder, President and CEO of Arkham House and remained in that capacity until her passing.
April earned a BA degree in English from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977. A naturalist and humanitarian, she loved her pets, enjoyed good music, good books and was passionate about the sports teams she cheered for (Green Bay Packers and UW Badgers). She was full of energy, loved to laugh, and always put others ahead of herself. Her mind, soul and heart will be missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011 in the Free Congregation Hall (formerly known as Freethinkers Fellowship Hall), located on Polk Street in Sauk City from noon – 4 p.m. for all friends of April.
The children have asked in lieu of flowers to make a donation to: The April Derleth Memorial Fund, Bank of Prairie, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin 53578