Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT January 2, 2008 Surnames:  Breitzke - Freitag - Migas - Moore - Tapia - Vermilyer - Whitteberry  

Derek "Woody" Whitteberry

April 20, 1977 - Dec. 30, 2007

SOUTH BEND - Derek J "Woody" Whitteberry, 30, died on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Intensive Care Unit of complications resulting from a motor vehicle accident on Jan. 3, 2007.

Derek is survived by his mother, Carol Whitteberry, and father and stepmother, Richard (Patricia Migas) Whitteberry, his sister, Shani Whitteberry, her fiancé, Galo Tapia II and their son, Galo Tapia III of Mesa, AZ. Derek is also survived by two sons, Tyler Whitteberry (Vermilyer) and James "Jamie" Whitteberry (Moore). Derek also leaves two stepchildren, Breanna Moore and Scott Breitzke, the children of Amy Moore. Derek is survived by his maternal grandmother, Florence Freitag, and is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who he enjoyed life with during many family parties, reunions and outings.

Derek was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Velma and Elmer Whitteberry; his maternal grandfather, Joseph Freitag; and by an aunt, Kathy Freitag.

Derek was born in South Bend, IN, on April 20, 1977, and had lived in the New Carlisle area most of his life, making numerous lifelong area friends. Growing up, he was involved in many New Carlisle activities and sports including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little League baseball, and school track. Derek graduated from New Prairie High School in 1996.

Derek had been employed most recently as a freight handler for Olinger Distributing in South Bend and R&L Carriers in New Carlisle.

Derek enjoyed helping his friends if they were farming or working on farm equipment.

Derek loved cars, trucks, motorcycles, car shows, cruise-ins and anything to do with motor sports and racing. He often assisted his dad with all types of restoration projects, and usually could be found on the pit crew when his dad was drag racing. He was skilled at detailing all types of vehicles. Derek especially enjoyed his time spent as a teenager, off-road riding and camping in Arizona, California and Mexico. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time at the lake with his children, family and friends.

Derek enjoyed cooking, and was enrolled in the culinary school at Ivy Tech. He often prepared special meals with his mother.

Derek's children, Tyler and Jamie, his family, extended family, and many friends were the most important things in his life. As an adult he remained close to his sister in Arizona, and was especially proud of his nephew.

Family and friends may visit from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home Chapel, South Bend. Private interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the "Derek J. Whitteberry Surviving Children's Fund," c/o any Teachers Credit Union.