Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1952
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Fred VanderBerg Obituary
On May 3, 2022, Fred VanderBerg passed away early in the afternoon. He died as he lived, peacefully, in the presence of family and in the hope of resurrection. Fred is the beloved partner of Nelli, with whom he shared parenting their much-loved children: Dave and Kristen, Jamie and Meghan, Natasja and Arielle, and Robert and Melanie. He was blessed with a houseful of grandchildren, all of whom he celebrated: Justin, Drew, Katya, Karsten, Gabrielle, Anna, Eleanor, Rosalie, Cayden, Paige, and Ezra.
Fred was predeceased by his parents, Alice, and Art VanderBerg, and two brothers, Louie (Jenny) and Don (Elaina). He will be missed by his sisters, Joanne (John), Janet (Tom), and Ann. He was like a son to Nelli's parents, Truus and Jan, and a brother to Ineke, Trudy (Frank), John (Fran), and Pauline.
Fred was always an intense learner. He loved to study and finished his master's thesis just weeks ago, after his cancer diagnosis. Fred was a pastor and servant-leader in Strathroy, Renfrew, and Grimsby. He was a mentor and a faithful friend. His quirky sense of humour was well-sprinkled into his conversations with family and friends. His life was faithfully lived into his quest for discovering the meaning of life and how people are called to live the life we are given by God.
Books were friends to him and there was always an open book by his side, ready to pick up. Cycling was a passion, and he loved to be out on his bike, cycling fast and striving for yet a better time. He loved his family and adored spending time camping with them.
You are invited to celebrate Fred's life with us. The visitation will be held at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church (290 Main St. East, Grimsby) on Friday, May 6, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m., also at Mountainview. Following the service, a private interment will follow at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery, during which time refreshments will be served at the church.
After their first summer of retirement, which Fred and Nelli spent camping, they started volunteering alongside one another at the Welcome Inn Community Centre in Hamilton. He brought his sense of humour, his cooking skills, and his perseverance to the work, which was sadly cut short by his illness. It is a cause close to their hearts that gave them the opportunity to serve and befriend people. In lieu of flowers, we would love it if support would be given to Welcome Inn Community Centre (welcomeinn.ca). Arrangements entrusted to Stonehouse-Whitcomb Funeral Home, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred VanderBerg
6 Entries
Elzo Tenyenhuis
June 4, 2022
Deepest and sincere condolences to you, Nelli, David, Jamie, Natasha and Robert - and your families from Marijke and Elzo
Irene Payne
May 6, 2022
Sending my deep sympathies to the family. He was chaplain at Shalom Manor while my Mum was living there and was always so kind. I enjoyed bringing Mum to Sunday services there, listening to his sermons and singing hymns together. Fred was unfailingly kind to my mother and me and I am grateful to have known him.
Mike and Janice Chachulski
May 6, 2022
We were so blessed to have Fred as our Pastor for a time in Strathroy. Fred and Nelli served as leaders for our study group. We were challenged, and so so blessed by their mentoring us 4 young couples at the time. A few weeks ago we were once reunited and reminisced of our times together. We openly shared how we all have yet to find that connection in a study group again. We continue to pray for you Nelli children and grandchildren. He was such a kind and compassionate man. Blessings to you all.
Harry Jakobs
May 6, 2022
We would like to send our condolences to all the VanderBerg family on the passing of Fred this past week. He will be missed dearly. Harry and Pat
How you can show support
Petronella Schwarz
May 6, 2022
Wishing you our sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one Fred. May you find comfort in the Lord.
Bert VanderPerk
May 5, 2022
My deepest condolences to Nelli and family.
I first knew Fred as a class-mate in grade school. We became friends in Grade 9, the year that Beacon High School started. That class of some 20 girls and 3 boys was also the high school´s 1st year´s full student population and was accommodated in spare rooms in Calvin Memorial grade school. We felt as if we were repeating Grade 8 when we thought we should be venturing out into the big world by attending one of the big public high schools. The bridling at feeling held back manifested itself in series of hi-jinks; - typing as loud and fast as possible on the manual Underwood´s, but with mistakes, to out-do the girls trying to keep up with no mistakes; - singing off-key in the choir which was addressed by being required to remain in the choir but to sing silently; - using the chemistry teacher´s car battery, without his knowledge, to complete an experiment in electrolysis; - etc.; - all of which produced so much laughter. The smallness of that year´s world also helped forge the friendship that I so much enjoyed then and value to now.
Later, in the gap year after high school, we worked for Fred´s father Art, insulating and lathing homes during a then construction boom in new housing. We built stilts out of scrap lumber and became adept at completing houses quicker which afforded Art the luxury of letting us take the occasional spontaneous break to enjoy; - ice cream; - a swim in the lake; - and again with so much laughter by all, not least by Art.
I became aware of the closeness that Fred had with his father. I believe Fred´s calling in life was in some measure due to his love for Art and some of Art´s un-requited aspirations were fulfilled by Fred.
The years and distance have drifted us apart and learning of Fred´s passing make me regret not reaching out to re-connect.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Memorial Events
for Fred VanderBerg
May
6
May
6
Funeral services provided by:
Stonehouse Whitcomb Funeral Home11 Mountain Street, Grimsby, ON L3M 3J7