Obit: VandeBerg, Lory Lynn (1961 - 2009)

Contact: Dolores Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: VandeBerg, Erickson, Cook, Kleiman

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) June 24, 2009

VandeBerg, Lory Lynn (29 November 1961 - 22 June 2009)

Lory VandeBerg, 47, of Neillsville died Monday, June 22, 2009, in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident Saturday, June 13, 2009.

Lory Lynn VandeBerg was born Nov. 29, 1961, in Neillsville, the daughter of William and Carol (Erickson) Cook.  She graduated from Granton High School in 1979 and then went to work as a hostess at Perkins in Marshfield.  She was united in marriage to Bruce VandeBerg Feb. 2, 1980, in Neillsville.  After they were married, she stayed at home and raised their three children.  When the children reached school age, Lory took a job at Mueller Realty as the office manager.  Later, she worked for Leeson Electric in Neillsville in the assembly department and then was promoted to the office in the purchasing department.  When Leeson was sold, Lory went to Doc’s Diner as a waitress.  In 2007, she went to work as a bartender at the Neillsville Country Club, where she was currently employed.

Lory loved to travel and had been to many places in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. She also loved taking care of her two horses, walking her dog, dancing and riding her Harley motorcycle.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.  Lory’s smile, quick wit and personality will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce "Buns" VandeBerg; children, Clint (Kristy) VandeBerg of Green Bay, Brittany VandeBerg of Madison and Casey VandeBerg of Eau Claire; her parents, William and Carol Cook of Granton; a sister, Shelly (Tim) Kleiman of Granton; a brother, Kurt (Geri) Cook of Iowa; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2009, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for designated donation at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.GescheFH.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Lory’s family with arrangements.

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.)

Thank You - Perhaps you sent a note or a card or sat quietly in a chair.  Perhaps you sent a floral piece if so we saw it there.  Perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend could say.  Perhaps you were not there at all but you thought of us that day.  Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much whatever the part.

Lory would have been stunned to see the huge crowd that came to honor her memory.  It was incredible so many of you mentioned how she always brightened your day with her beautiful smile and quick wit; she was a very special, caring woman.  Lory always put "her people" first no matter what; she wouldn’t have it any other way.  I know she is looking down from above with her hands on her hips wondering what in the world is all the fuss about.

We would like to thank all that expressed their condolences, sent cards, gifts of money, floral arrangements and lastly their prayers. Time, good friends and so many special memories will help us get through the healing process.  It was a wonderful showing of "small town" sharing and caring which will never be forgotten!  Thank you again from all of us.

Bruce VandeBerg and family

William  and Carol Cook and family