Bernie Baerg

Pastor Bernie Baerg, 83, of Ooltewah, Tenn., passed peacefully away on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Erlanger Hospital, Chattanooga Tenn., surrounded by his loving family. Pastor Baerg was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Oct. 31, 1935. Bernie spent his life in service to others as a teacher and Pastor for the Seventh-day Adventist church. He will be remembered for his devotion to spreading the love of Christ to others, as a wise, kind, considerate, true Christian gentleman. For many years he served as a missionary in South America in Columbia and the Netherlands Antilles before continuing his ministry back in the USA. Bernie lived the life he preached and was a true ‘ Man after God’s own heart’. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Betty Jo (Gaitens); his daughter Joyan, and his great-granddaughter, Maggie Sue. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Jeannie; sons, Steven, Daniel, Wayne, Garth; and daughters Perri, Anne and Maeva, together with their spouses; 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019, at the Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor Jerry Arnold officiating. Interment will follow in Collegedale Memorial Park. Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences and view the memorial tribute. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.