Esther Diercks

Esther Marie Diercks, 95, Red Wing, died Tuesday morning at St. Brigid?s at Hi-Park. She was born July 25, 1911, in Goodhue Township, the daughter of William and Mary (Reese) Vieths. She was baptized August 13, 1911 and was confirmed June 7, 1925 at St. John?s Lutheran Church, Goodhue. She attended country and parochial schools near Goodhue and was a 1929 graduate of Goodhue High School. She married Albert Diercks on September 29, 1934. They farmed for 44 years in Goodhue Township and moved to Red Wing in 1978. He died June 26, 1979. She was a life-long member of St. John?s Lutheran Church and was active in the Ladies? Aid. She volunteered as a Pink Lady for St. John?s Hospital and at the Wise Penny. She enjoyed playing cards, socializing and spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her five children: Rita (Marvin) Jurgens of Chanhassen, Gail (Janelle) Diercks of Red Wing, Marcia (Raymond) Matthees, John Diercks and Gary (Phyllis) Diercks all of Goodhue; eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; one great great grandchild; two sisters: Lorena Stemmann and Gertrude Dicke, both of Red Wing; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Rebecca Diercks in 1954; two grandsons, Brent Diercks and Jonathan Matthees; one sister, Irma Vieths; and two brothers, Harry and Edwin Vieths. Funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. John?s Lutheran Church, Goodhue with Reverend Andrew Krause officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Billy, Dennis and Joel Diercks, Lewis Jurgens, Jerry Lunde, Dave Miller and Jon Jablonski. Honorary pallbearers will be Kristin Jaastad, Dawn Diercks, Melissa Jablonski, Debra Langerud, Kris Jurgens, Dawn Lunde, Charlene Pierson, Joy Miller, Heidi Jurgens and Rebecca Diercks. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and on Friday for one hour prior to the service at the church.