Obituary
Derek Neil Iverson
Derek Neil Iverson, 37, bravely entered into the next phase of his journey on May 28, 2020 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. His final days were spent reminiscing about his well lived life, laughing, crying and expressing love. In true Derek fashion, he provided humor throughout. Derek passed comfortably from this life to the next, surrounded by love.
The baby of the family, Derek was born to Gary and Pamela (Beranek) Iverson on March 26, 1983 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In addition to his parents, he was also raised by his second mom, Marlys Iverson. He grew up in Onalaska, WI, graduating from Onalaska High School in 2001. He later pursued a bachelors in communications, graduating from UW-La Crosse in 2010. At the time of his death, Derek worked in sales for Viking Electric Supply.
Derek had an appetite for life and knew how to enjoy a moment. His presence and humor put a smile on the faces of all who knew him. Derek could always be counted on for a good time, with a quick smile, laugh, and sarcastic joke to make any situation seem lighter and brighter. When asked what his super power would be, he stated “to make people laugh and cry at the same time”. In this, he definitely succeeded.
Derek was a man of many talents. He was a natural born athlete who could ski better than he could walk. He grew up ski racing, starting at Mt. La Crosse. His racing career provided him many opportunities to travel the US and the world, enjoying many new sites and adventures and meeting some amazing people through the skiing community. Ski racing eventually led to ski race coaching, contributing to the successes of many Mt. La Crosse Ski Team athletes. Thanks to coaching, Derek re-met the love of his life, Marci Kuhrt.
Some would say that Derek could golf better than he could ski. As a kid, he spent countless hours on the golf course working on his game and tagging along with anyone who would allow. As he grew up, Derek spent many days golfing with great friends and participating in local tournaments. He was thrilled to get back into tournament play last summer and was hopeful to get back on the course this spring.
When Derek loved, he loved fiercely, especially his “My Marci”. Derek and Marci were married at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI on May 21, 2011. As Derek would say, “Marci is my rock, she will walk through fire with me. She is my light”. They enjoyed 14 years together, laughing daily. Derek and Marci could often be found outside on the ski hill, golfing or hunting. They shared several adventures traveling, including a recent ski trip to Whistler Blackcomb in Canada. While they did not have human children, they had several fur babies who made life interesting.
Derek had a great love for his family and friends. He truly enjoyed spending time with his sisters and their families. Derek was well loved by his nieces and nephew, and always willing to participate in activities with the kids. Derek always looked forward to gatherings with extended family as well. While he had made many friends over the years, he was blessed a loyal group of friends who had been together since childhood. When Derek was going out with Terry, Todd, Joel, Cole, Bret, Aaron, and Chris, many laughs, stories, and life long memories were made.
Derek was no stranger to hardship, but he never let it slow him down. He battled cancer for four years with grace, humility and positivity. He was truly an inspiration. During that time he allowed himself to be a “guinea pig” in hopes that it would not only help himself, but also others. Derek felt that life was short enough and wanted to enjoy it to the fullest. He sure knew how to live!
Derek’s family extends a sincere thank you to the ICU at Mayo Clinic for their care of him over the past two weeks.
Derek is survived by his wife “My Marci”, sisters, Erica (Marc) Stevermer, Nikki (Tanner) Hagelstrom, and brothers Richard (Wendy) Bengtson, Brett Bengtson and Shawn (Becky) Bengtson. Father-in-law, Gerd Kuhrt, mother-in-law Marilyn (Edwin) Wininger, sister-in-law Karina (Sean) O’Brien, and grandmother-in-law Mary Ann McEuen. Derek is further survived by a special Aunt Penny (John) Balmer, and 16 nieces and nephews. Derek also leaves behind his beloved dog, Ava and his most prized possession, his cat, Otto.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gary, Pamela, and Marlys Iverson, his grandparents Gordon and Opal Iverson, Joseph and Helen Beranek, and a special great uncle Orlando “Unkie” Iverson.
To honor Derek’s brave battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Mayo Clinic for Lymphoma Cancer Research. https://philanthropy.
Under “tribute information” please indicate the gift is in memory of Derek Iverson.
A private family service will be held in July, and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date when conditions allow.
“Take care of each other!” – Derek
To view Derek’s memorial video, please copy and paste the link below into your browser.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/8CHLF6P2RB2JKSJZ?e=1
Dear Marci, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Derek was always a joy to see. I have seen him ski since he was a kid at Mt. LaCrosse and he impressed me in his joy of skiing and sharing his joy with others.
God Bless
I am so sorry for you loss. I have memories of Derek from a very long time ago. My Grandma, Rose Ramey used to babysit for the family and I would get to visit and play with all 3 kids from time to time. Thinking of you all.
So very saddened to hear about Derek passing. My Mom, Rose Ramey, cared for Derek and his sisters and helped keep the house in order when Pam was Ill.
You all held a special place in her heart. Please know we are thinking of you all.
Barb (Ramey) Erickson’s
My heart breaks for you all!! My deepest sympathies and prayers sent up to God at this time for healing. Love always…Always your sister…Kris Bengtson
My most sincere sympathy Marci and families. Derek was a good man which you certainly know better than anyone. I know his and your friendships meant alot to my children. Thank you so much for all of the kindness You and Derek have given them. Please feel free to call the Benson family if we can ever help you. Rest in Peace Derek, you will always be in our hearts. Marci take care of yourself and be very proud of all you did for Derek and love and happiness you gave him!!
Sincerely, Jim Benson
Marci, My heart is aching for you. I just got pinged from Facebook with a photo memory from your wedding — I remember it well. Keep your family and your memories close. Prayers for all of you.
I’m so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Derek & I attended Sunday School and confirmation class at Trinity together. We had a wonderful class with many fond memories. My condolences to his family & friends. Blessed be the memory of Derek.
Sorry to hear about Derek. He was very good golfer in the area. He supported the TRGA and the County Am’s. My condolences to his family.
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Derek. I met Derek through his friend Wes, and enjoyed golfing with him at Cedar Creek. Always enjoyed his sense of humor, competitive spirit and friendliness. Glad I had the opportunity to know Derek. My sympathies to you and your families.
So sorry to hear about Derek’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed playing golf with him. A true talent and gentleman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! I knew Derek through racing and remember his passion and skill.
Derek was such an amazing person!! I am lucky to have known him and to be able to call him my friend. He will be dearly missed!! Hugs and kisses to Marci, Erica and Nikki!!❤️
Marci and family, We are so sorry to hear about Derek. We send our deepest sympathy. May his love and light shine with you forever. The Lord will hold you and him in his arms. Hugs. With sympathy, Jon and Bonnie
Dear Derek’s family,
Our deepest sympathy is with you for the loss of Derek.
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days ahead. His life tribute is amazing.
Very sincerely, Bernie and MaryLou Gorres,
(Becky’s Mom and Step-dad)
Marci – Hello. We are so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. What a terrible loss for you and your families. I know it was a long and courageous battle for him. The two of you were always a very bright spot for us in our family race visits to Lacrosse and wherever our paths crossed on any ski hill. He will be missed by so many. Take care.
Sending our deepest sympathies, Bake, Lee, Ross and Peter
Marci – I was so sorry to learn of Derek’s passing. I must admit I was not aware of his long bout with cancer. Sounds like he truly “lived” life to the fullest, really enjoyed outdoor adventures, had many talents and loved you and his family with all of his heart. While words cannot ease your pain, please accept my deepest sympathies and let me know if there is anything I can do to help you during this difficult time.
Marci – my prayers and sympathies to you for your loss.
Marci, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for you and your family. Please know that I am thinking of you, and if there is anything I can help with, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sending you my deepest sympathies.
Thinking of you, wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain.
Marci, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God hold you in love and light in the days ahead.
Marci- I am so sorry to here about Derek’s passing. You both are amazing people, and to have known Derek is a blessing! Sending my sincere condolences to you and you family.
Beautiful thoughts! What a special man who lived life well. Sending my condolences to Marci, Erica,Nikki and your families. Love and prayers.
Marci… So sorry for your loss. I knew Derrick both at the ski hill and at Viking. Wonderful guy !!! Really going to miss him. Prayers to you and your family, including the furry ones. Take care.
Marci… So sorry for your loss. I knew Derrick both at the ski hill and at Viking. Wonderful guy !!! Really going to miss him. Prayers to you and your family, including the furry ones. Take care.
Marci, I knew Derek thru his job at Viking. He was my inside sales rep and was always such a pleasure to interact with, always pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful. Please except my condolences I knew he was fighting cancer but, he never expressed how serious it was when I asked.
May the road reach up to meet you
May the wind be always to your back
And my god hold you in his hand until you meet again.