Kevin Deberg

Kevin Eric DeBerg was born on November 26 (Thanksgiving Day), 1959, to William and Dora (McFerran) DeBerg in Watertown, SD. He attended Happy Home Country School through the second grade and then went to school in Watertown. Kevin proudly played football and wrestled for the Watertown Arrows. He graduated from high school in 1978 and continued his education at South Dakota State University. Thinking college classes were not quite as exciting as the real thing; Kevin left college to start a commodity business, Dakota Commodities. However, a few years later at the request of his mom, Kevin went back to SDSU, and it was then that he met his wife Gigi. Kevin graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics in May 1986, and he and Gigi were married on June 14, of the same year in Sioux City, IA. In 1989, Kevin and Gigi moved to Springfield, MN where Kevin found his dream job at Harvestland Cooperative. Trading grain was a passion of his, and he got to do something he loved each and every day. He also loved the camaraderie with all his co-workers and customers at Harvestland. Work was so much fun for him. Where to go out for lunch was probably the most important decision of his day. Kevin was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome in the fall of 2004. In February 2012 he underwent a bone marrow transplant at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. His beautiful sister Jane was a perfect match and agreed to be his donor. Kevin sailed through the transplant with flying colors and even worked out on a treadmill in his room while recovering from the transplant. However, in May of 2014, a rare, progressive disease, Atypical HUS, invaded Kevin's immune system and he lost his continual battle to be healthy. Kevin died on May 24, 2014. Kevin was so looking forward to spending time with his family at their lake cabin. He was an avid fan of the Springfield Tigers and River Valley Wrestling Program. He planned for the annual 4th of July fireworks show months in advanced with his favorite pals. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. Kevin is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gigi; his two amazing sons Jake and Kolton; his sister Jane Ham; sister Colleen (Tony) O'Horo; brother David (Jan) DeBerg; brother - Richard (JoAnn) DeBerg; his in-laws Jerry and Mary Gardiner; brother-in-law - G.R. (Nickie) Gardiner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be established at various departments at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield Chapel 407 N. Jackson Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Second Visitation 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Thursday, May 29, 2014 United Methodist Church, Springfield, MN 205 North Marshall Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Service Information 3:00 pm Thursday, May 29, 2014 United Methodist Church, Springfield, MN 205 North Marshall Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087