Burton Clarence Diercks, 76, of Red Wing, died Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Red Wing. He was born Nov. 14, 1942, in Red Wing, to Erwin "E.P." and Mabel (Johnson) Diercks and graduated from Red Wing Central High School. He married SuEllen Mehrkins and together they had 4 children; they later divorced. He was employed at the Red Wing Shoe Company for 48 years, until his retirement. He spent the past 30 years with the love of his life and dancing partner, Dorie (Nelson). Burt was always a happy and helpful man. When he was younger he played the piano and accordion, and his love for music continued throughout his life-especially for knee-slappin' country songs. He was an excellent pool player and was always up for a game of euchre. He spent his Sundays during football season watching the Vikings. When his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were around, he was a hands-on grandpa, getting down on the floor and playing pretend with them.
He is survived by his wife, Dorie and her children Brian (Kathy) Ackerman, Christine (Steve) Pabst, Dawn (Ray) Vikingson and Angel (Dale) Nord; 4 brothers, Glen (Audrey), Donald (Julie), Roger (Pat) and Thomas (Carole) Diercks; children, Steven, Wayne and Marie Diercks and Amy Myers; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Dwain and Reynold Diercks.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at United Lutheran Church with Rev. Karl Rydholm officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com