DEBERG, Kenneth Wayne 1929-2009

DEBERG, JULIUS, DIRKS

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 6/27/2009 at 08:11:47

Kenneth DeBerg, age 79 of Rock Rapids, IA died Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral servicewas Monday, June 22nd at Christian Church (Disciples) in Rock Rapids, burial at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

Kenneth Wayne DeBerg was born December 4, 1929 in Little Rock, Iowa, the son of M.K. “Martin” and Minnie (Julius) DeBerg. On February 26, 1948 Ken married Amy Dirks. From this marriage two children were born, Kelly and Mick. Ken and Amy’s story was interrupted by divorce for 10 years but they were reunited in marriage on August 11, 1985 in Marshall, MN at their daughter’s home. Ken began his career working for M.K. DeBerg as a carpenter. He was the Chief of Police in Little Rock for six years, and then moved to Rock Rapids to become Deputy Sherriff for one year. In 1958 he began a 30 year career with Combined Insurance Company of America. During those years he was Salesman of the year in 1958, Manager of the year in 1960 and was also awarded the District Manager of the year internationally in 1980. After his retirement from Combined, Ken worked for the City of Rock Rapids as sexton for the Riverview Cemetery for 13 years. Ken lived life his way. He loved sports and watched thousands of hours of football, baseball and basketball. He was an avid golfer and was very proud of the Annual DeBerg Invitational that began in 1998, and has been held each year since. He was an active member of the Christian Church (Disciples) where he served as Board Chairman, Deacon, and Chairman of the Trustees. He also had held the position as President of Kiwanis.

Survivors include his son, Kelly, of Rock Rapids and his children Tadgi DeBerg of Williamsville, NY, Kasey (Kristi) DeBerg of Las Vegas, NV and their son Kevin, along with a baby due in December; his daughter, Mickie (Dale) Paluch of Marshall, MN and her sons, Nathan (Amanda) Wildeman of Mankato, MN, Drew Wildeman of Minneapolis, MN, Kollin Wildeman of Minneapolis, MN; step-granddaughters, Krystal Paluch of Burnsville, MN, Brooke Paluch of St. Cloud, MN and Ashley Paluch of Marshall, MN; brother, Henry (Marge) DeBerg of Sibley, IA; sister-in-law, Dixie (Bill) Vogt of Rock Rapids, sister-in-law Mildred Harms, Alton, IA; sister-in-law, Rose Dirks of Belmond, IA; as well as many nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Amy, his parents, M.K. and Minnie DeBerg; sisters, Marian Van Briesen and Grace Olson.

(Jurrens Funeral Homes obituary)