Obituary of Delbert Stanley Berryman

Delbert (Del) Berryman of Elk River, Minnesota, was born on September 20, 1935, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He passed away on January 5, 2024, with his family by his side.

A memorial service will be held at River of Life Evangelical Free Church in Elk River on January 20, 2024, at 12:00 noon. Fellowship with family and friends will be held before the service, starting at 11:00 a.m. After the service, an Honor Guard ceremony will be held at the church followed by a luncheon.

Del raised eight children. He is survived by his wife, Rita Berryman; three sons, Edmund Caruso (Kathleen), Barry Bieganowski, and Matt Bieganowski (Tammy); two daughters, Della Sickels (Terry) and Jodie Midas (Trent); stepdaughter Kristy Ersfeld; and brother James Berryman. He is also survived by his grandson, Justin Bieganowski, whom he raised as his own, as well as many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Charlotte Berryman, and two sons, Ralph Bieganowski and Kenneth Berryman.

Del was a veteran of the Air Force from 1951 to 1961.  He served in the Korean War in the 13th Bomb Squadron. After his years of service in the Air Force, his love of flying drew him to flying radio-controlled airplanes, a hobby that he loved for over 50 years. Radio-control flying was a big part of his life, right up to this winter. When he finished flying for the day, he always said “another great day in model aviation”, especially if he was taking his plane home in one piece.

Most of his career was spent as an over-the-road truck driver.  He spent more than 40 years delivering concrete admixtures to ready-mix companies.

Del’s huge smile and laughter were contagious. He could tell stories and jokes like no one else. He teased people relentlessly and loved to baffle waitresses and waiters when placing an order. Once when asked his name for a waiting list, he pointed to the name on his jacket; when our table was announced, they called out “Harley Davidson”. His larger-than-life personality will be missed.

If you want to send a memorial, there are two organizations dear to our hearts, Cure SMA and the Parkinson’s Organization. Parkinson’s disease, which Del’s wife has, is more common and familiar to many people, while SMA (spinal muscular atrophy), is not as well known. SMA is an affliction affecting two of Del’s great-grandchildren. Both organizations are working to improve care and advance research toward a cure.

Memorials can be arranged by contacting Cure SMA at www.curesma.org, 1-800-886-1762, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, or The Parkinson’s Foundation at  www.parkinson.org, 1-800-473-4636, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.

Del will be in our hearts forever.