Erik Karl Berg Jr

Erik "Rick" Karl Berg, Jr.

Erik Karl Berg Jr., of Ojo Caliente, NM,  passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, due to complications related to his multiple sclerosis. He passed just one month after his 64th birthday with his wife by his side.

Rick, as he was affectionately known, relocated from his birthplace in Wilmington, DE to Mount Vernon, WA where he spent much of his youth. Rick was a valued member of the Mount Vernon community. He was a varsity wrestler and played football for Mount Vernon High School. As a teenager and young adult Rick worked for Roosengaarde Farms, a family business that provided mentorship he deeply valued his entire life.

Rick’s life was marked by service, to his community, to his family, and to his country. A graduate of Western Washington University, Rick began his lifelong service to his community as a reserve officer for the La Conner Police Department. Rick then was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and rose to the rank of lieutenant where he served as a wartime submarine officer on the USS Portsmouth. Rick was awarded expeditionary medals and was cited for heroism during typhoon Omar on the island of Guam. Once leaving the military to return to Washington, Rick completed his MBA and finished out his service to his country as a senior contracting officer with the Veteran’s Administration, where he spent decades proudly working beside and advocating for veterans.

Rick will be remembered for his quick, dry wit and his knack for striking up a conversation with anyone, invariably sharing a funny and engaging story. He was a Renaissance man who had a wide variety of hobbies and interests which included rooting for his favorite baseball teams, model building, rifle shooting, sailing & boating of all types, coin and stamp collecting, as well as classic car restoration. In retirement, Rick found pleasure in bird watching, driving his track chair and Kubota outdoors, and traveling with his wife Robbie and their beloved dogs Charlie and Meja.

Family always came first for Rick. He was deeply devoted to his wife, his role as father and grandfather. Every member of Rick’s family was showered with his unwavering love and support.

Rick is survived and missed by his loving wife of 40 years, Robbie Berg, and his three children Kira (Nick) Wood, Erika (Chris) Lawson, and Dane Berg. He will forever be cherished by his five, soon to be six grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings and their families; Jeff with Kyle, Blake, and Emma; and Sue with Chad and Nicki. His memory will be held dear by his Aunt Linda Rybinski; his uncle’s John and Mike Berg; and countless friends and fellow veterans.

Rick was a longtime member of the American Legion, recently joining the post near his new home in New Mexico. He belonged to the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the VFW for many years and was a member of his local gun club.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Berg family home in New Mexico on the afternoon of Saturday, September 27, 2025, for his local friends and neighbors. In addition, a Memorial Service with full military honors will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the organizations he felt most passionately about including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, or the VFW.

Rick understood that life's best bargains were found in shared laughter and family adventures. That was his greatest gift to all who knew him.

The family of Erik Berg Jr. has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   505-747-7477