Derrick H.
Berg
Memorial Gathering Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Parkway Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 5:00 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 7:00 PM
In lieu of flowers memorials to the family would be appreciated.
Derrick H. Berg
1960 – 2024
Entered into his rest on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the age of 64.
Beloved husband of Dawn A Berg (nee Peltonen). Cherished father of Samuel (Angela) Berg and Nolan (Georgia) Berg. Loving grandfather of Ethan, AJ and Baby Girl Berg. Dear brother of the Late Kenneth Berg, Cyndi (the Late Andy) Orlowski and Sandy Schulz. Dear son-in-law of Gordon and Carolyn Peltonen and brother-in-law of Jon Peltonen. Further survived by other relatives, friends and his church family.
Derrick was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 29, 1960 to David and June (Clark) Berg and lived on Chipmunk Lane in New Berlin, Wisconsin. He had an older brother, Kenneth, that he did not get to meet because he died early in childhood. But God blessed him with an older sister, Cyndi, and a younger sister, Sandy.
His parents divorced early and his mom and sisters remained on Chipmunk Lane and he became the “man of the house.” At around the age of 16 Derrick quit school and started working to help support his family. He did such odd jobs as washing fire engines at the local fire station and mowing lawns. The worst job he took was at a tannery where hides were skinned. That job lasted only one day because he could not stomach it. Unfortunately, he was also introduced to a faster way to earn money by selling drugs and was arrested and spent a brief period of time in jail. But all things work for good because while he was in jail it was there that his Lutheran pastor counseled with him and sparked his seeking God and straightening out his life.
Derrick completed schooling by getting his GED. He got a job working in the shop at Norman Equipment Company in New Berlin. While working there he decided to pursue a career in hydraulic engineering and attended MSOE in the evenings. When he had trouble with math, he would often visit his sister, Cyndi, and his brother-in-law, Andy, who would patiently tutor him. It was during these times that Andy became like the brother Derrick never had. Even when the miles separated them after they moved to Florida, they always kept in touch by phone and it was as if they were never apart, talking sports, and cracking endless jokes together.
Derrick completed his schooling at MSOE and continued working at Norman Equipment designing and selling hydraulic systems. It was there that he met Bob Krivanek who witnessed to him about the Lord. He started attending a Bible study that Bob and his wife, Linda, taught him and they quickly became like a mom and dad to him taking him under their wings. He started attending Parkway Church and was baptized in the name of Jesus and was filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost on June 5, 1988.
It was at Parkway that he met his wife, Dawn, at a singles get together. At first, she thought he was already dating someone and was a little bit of a “goofball” but she soon found herself being drawn to him (especially with the Lord’s prompting). They dated shortly and were married on May 27, 1989. They were blessed with their first son, Samuel Gordon, on February 27, 1990 and blessed again with another son, Nolan David, on April 17, 1992. Derrick loved his wife and sons fiercely and always strived and worked hard to provide as both a husband and a father.
It was while he was a young father that he was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which greatly impacted his life and family but not his spirit. It unfortunately led to him later losing his job and struggling to support his family on a disability income but God was always faithful in providing all their needs through the support his family, friends and his church family.
Derrick looked forward to being a grandfather. Samuel and his wife, Angie, blessed him with two grandsons, Ethan and AJ. He adored them greatly and always made sure to bring Ethan a new matchbox car at every visit and had plans to spoil AJ too, in similar fashion, once he became a little older. He was greatly looking forward to his third grandchild, a girl, that Nolan and his wife, Georgia, were soon to bless him with in February. She too would’ve been spoiled in a similar way but probably with more “girly” things.
Derrick passed on to be with the Lord at the age of 64 but he would tell you he was actually 16 years old and could now officially drive a car this year. He was a passionate lover of people and would talk to everyone he met. He was quick to give a hug and called everyone “kiddo” (because after all, we are all God’s kids). He enjoyed driving his “princess” to work every day and helping out at church wherever he physically could. At home, he loved to relax by day, drinking coffee and sitting on his patio feeding the chipmunks and squirrels nuts or watching his beloved sports (especially Brewers baseball!) or old movies (a dedicated John Wayne fan) at night. He loved his family and friends deeply and was grateful for everyone that has ever touched his life.
Derrick’s life contained many “peak” moments and many “valley” moments but through it all God remained faithful proving that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23 KJV)
Memorial Gathering Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Parkway Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 5:00 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 7:00 PM
In lieu of flowers memorials to the family would be appreciated.
Derrick was larger then life. A true friend in every sense of the word. A wonderful man of God, a true family man and an all around great guy. You will be missed my Friend.
Mr Berg was my best friend Nolan’s dad, he will always have a special place in my heart. The best way I know how to give a teeny tiny bit of comfort to Nolan, Sam, Dawn, and the spouses + grandchildren (and little girl on her way very soon) is to share a few memories:
Everyone knows Derrick was a big fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, which is a passion he shared with his sons (plus, it didn’t hurt that Nolan was named after a baseball player). But that wasn’t his favorite team- that honor goes to the Parkway Christian Academy Flames boys basketball team. That usually took a extraordinary amount of love because the Flames Nolan and I were a part of usually won about 3 games max per season, and that was only when we managed to get Josh Cameron the ball enough. I have a distinct memory of Nolan and me being driven by Dawn and Derrick to one game on a snowy day in 2003 (5th & 6th grade team). I know it was 2003 because we were listening to NBA Livestyle 2003 CD (free with purchase of NBA Live 2003) and the lyric “It’s the year 2003!” on the song “Let’s Go” by Just Blaze was playing. We were jamming to that song and Nolan was playing his Gameboy Advance (Sam and Nolan always enjoyed the latest game consoles due to Dawn and Derrick’s love for them and want for them to have fun!). I don’t remember a single word spoken in that minivan, but none of that matters. Thinking about it makes me warm and fuzzy, and Derrick was largely to thank (Dawn is also an incredibly kind and sweet woman and remains a great mother, as everyone will agree). As Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Memories of Derrick will always leave me feeling this way.
A few more rapid fire amazing moments with Derrick: me learning just how large Starbucks coffee can get and Derrick ordering TWO at a time, going to Revenge of the Sith with the Bergs and watching Derrick get very upset at Anakin slaying the young padawans, playing foosball versus him and getting my butt kicked, learning about leap year birthdays, enjoying Derrick’s belly laughs during comedy movies I wasn’t allowed to watch at home like Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura, watching Derrick climb through the rafters of his garage 15 feet up “working on something”, Derrick cheering up the Flames after a loss/Derrick cheering loudly when we scored a basket (especially Nolan) despite being down by 20 by halftime, and lastly, probably the one he’d be most proud of: Derrick jubilantly dancing down the aisles of Parkway because it was the best way he knew how to express his love for God despite the physical odds year after year living with MS.
Derrick, I love ya man (that’s a bonus memory, Derrick is the only parent of my friends to ever say that to me).
My brother was my best friend. He would always message me everyday with comics and smart remarks. I will so miss our daily chats and his pictures of feeding the squirrels and chipmunks we did not get to physically see each other because of being in different states but I could always feel him by my side no rather where I was.
I will never forget that moment when you stayed at my house because Andy was out of town and I was in the bathroom fixing my hair. When I opened the bathroom door you had a big foot stuffed animal sitting there and I screamed and slammed the door then opened again and you were on the floor laughing your behind off……… Or, when I had knee surgery and did not want to move my leg you went to the basement and brought up a spider …. yes i did move then……
I love you so much and hope you are now up there bugging Andy with you antics.
So sorry for your loss. Derrick will be missed he always walked around during song service and greeted members with a smile and hug.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of the Berg Family. We cannot think of a time that Bro. Berg didn’t have a smile on his face and true joy in his heart for God and others. We’ll miss that smile of his. You are all in our prayers.
The man who always had a smile on his face, that’s right his name was Derrick Berg. I am currently going through some major health issues and when I have an extra hard day I will think of him and how he always let the light of God shine. He always made me feel seen and loved. I enjoyed talking with him, especially his dad jokes lol 🙂 in recent years I spent time in their home for a meal and was going through a time where I felt abandoned and alone and Derrick and Dawn made me feel welcome, validated and cared for. True examples of real Christians in every way. My husband only met him briefly in 2 encounters at church and was instantly blown away by his kind and genuine spirit. I was 7 and I’m when I first met him and I’m 43 now, he and Dawn have been friends with my parents ever since. They both still call me Becky and to me that is very special. I thank God for making our paths cross as I am richer for it. Rest in Heaven Derrick, I’m glad you will be keeping my Aunt Rita company now.
Upon visits and returning to America at church or anywhere I was met by this smiley brother that was always ready to give a hug and praise the Lord. Such a kind man who loved and honored God and adored his family. On the other side of his promise, he will have a new glorious body that will still smile and go on to honor and praise the Lord forever. 🙌🏻
Dawn and dear Derrick have been good friends of mine for many years, but I want to mention that when my late brother Cliff was being drawn by the Lord to our Parkway family, Derrick became Cliff’s first and best friend. Cliff had been struggling with his faith for decades and was terribly lonely. God used Derrick’s open and generous nature to make my brother feel accepted and valued. I will always be grateful for the impact of Derrick’s kindness upon Cliff. They have both gone on to their rest. Praise God!
I never had a deep conversation with Derrick, but every single time we saw each other, he told Jason and I he loved us and asked us “How are you kiddos doing?”. He made a huge impact on our lives just by doing that and his worship impacted me personally. We love you Dawn, and we are praying for peace and comfort.
I’m speaking for my family that the loss of Derrick really hit my family deeply. Derrick was the most genuine and kind man. Our two sons are in their 20s and every time Derrick saw them at church, he always gave them a big hug and told them how much he loved and appreciated them. That really impacted my boys. The fact that he always spoke into my sons lives meant everything to my husband and I. Derrick had a smile that just lit up the room and Joy just seemed to permeate from him. Somehow, I think when we get to heaven, Derrick will be one of the welcoming committee with the big smile and dimples on his face welcoming us to our heavenly homes. Though, it’s a great loss to his family and our church family, we know that he lived his life well, and has finished his race and someday we will all be reunited. Parkway will truly have a void on Sunday mornings, but hopefully we can all be a little bit more like Derrick and love people a little harder going forward.
Dawn I’m so sorry for your loss. Derrick was the kindest man around. He always thinks about other people. Always offering to help us with anything .from bringing groceries in to offer us a ride anywhere. We are very blessed to have him as a neighbor the short 4 years we were here.. I feel like we knew him forever. Derrick will be truly miss. My deepest condolences to Dawn and his family. Take care
Bro. Derrick’s smile was contagious, and Jesus shone through his eyes. “He made everyone feel seen.” The way he came around to reach out to each of us, even when he may have been in pain himself, was Jesus to me. Well done, good and faithful servant! So thankful to call him, brother. The kindest man left his dear wife, family and friends the best inheritance. We pick up His mantle,and truly love one another.
When I think of kindness, my thoughts instantly think of Derrick. He was the epitome of kindness. When my fiancé and I moved to Oak Creek, he was the first person to greet us to the neighborhood.
We were met with a big smile and a warm introduction, which made us feel very at home.
Coming home after work, seeing Derrick’s big smile and having a quick chat was always a highlight of my day. Derrick always made it a point to say hello and ask about how I was doing. He was a truly genuine human who brightened our days.
When we got our puppy Gunther, Derrick and Dawn offered to walk and hangout with our monster every now and then. If our dog walker canceled last minute, Derrick was always there to pop over and give our Gunther some love.
We are forever grateful for having Derrick and Dawn in our lives for the past two years. Derrick’s light will be missed greatly in our neighborhood and we will spread kindness in his honor. Sending Dawn and family all our love,
Liz, Drew & Gunther
How will we ever get on without Derrick? He and Dawn are major parts of our lives! They are the leaders of our Home Friendship Group, Grateful Grandparents!! Your special seat at our respective homes will be so empty.. We will always remember his prayers and how he always included our children in prayer. He always inquired of them. His smile and hugs will forever be etched in our memories. His eagerness to help when and wherever will be brought to mind as we look at our flooring that Derrick helped Jamey put in over the years. He was eager to have grandchildren, and God blessed him. We are so glad he was able to enjoy them! But while he waited for his own, he loved on ours! Our group gatherings will be different. No more of Derrick’s singing, as we listen to “oldies” and play Sequence, or his jokes! No one can fill that void. You will forever be in our hearts
You have obtained our Lord’s true peace! We love you, Dawn! We are here always for you. Please feel our love, prayers and hugs.
Dawn and family,
My heart goes out to you with Derrick’s passing. Pray Jesus wraps you in His arms and you feel His ever present spirit with you.
When I reflect on Derrick I think of his smile and bear hugs every Sunday morning. He was always warm and welcoming. I used to tell him he was Parkways Barnabas “son of encouragement”.
The last Sunday I sought him out and gave him a big hug and told him my Sunday wasn’t complete until I got a big hug from him.
I look forward to the day we are all reunited in heaven and I get my first hug from him on the streets of glory and he’s welcoming me back home.
Until we meet again Derrick!
Jason and kids
My condolences to you Dawn and your boys and spouses and grand baby’s.. I remember when we were teachers together in Sunday School in sanctuary 2
Bro Tim and Sister Sue’s Peil were are lead teachers. There was a huge green curtain
Derrick was playing Adam. He came out from the Curtain and said Hi I’m Adam! of the boys stood up and said your not Adam he was naked! lol Derrick stood frozen with a blushed face all the kids were laughing. Bro Tim spoke to the kids and explained. Always loved working with the Bergs gentle souls very humble people and the smiles light up the room.