Richard Harry Diercks

Richard Harry Diercks, 83 of Red Wing, died Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at his home. He was born July 25, 1931 in Red Wing, son of Harry Louis and Margaret Christine (Heitman) Diercks. He grew up and attended country school in Lake City and Belvidere through the 8th Grade, and then he farmed with his father until he turned 21. He began working as a farm hand for Morley Schafer, Bob Grosse, and Earl Schafer for 7 years. On June 5, 1954, Richard married Elaine Strusz at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Haycreek. Richard worked for Lloyd's Produce for 9 years. In 1965, the couple moved to the family farm where they dairy farmed for 28 years on the homestead. Richard also worked for Super Gro of Iowa as a salesperson for organic seed and fertilizer, and for Crows Seed Corn as a salesman for 10 years. Richard was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church where he served as head usher for 23 years, was a former president and elder of the church, and he served on the Board of Education. He was also a member of the Farm Bureau, was president of the Wells Creek Watershed for 15 years, president of the Belvidere Union Cemetery for 41 years, and he served as a delegate for the Minnesota Milk Producers of America. In his spare time, Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and coaching softball for the Belvidere 4-H.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Elaine, one daughter, Kathryn (Scott) Warren of Red Wing; two sons, Kim Diercks of Red Wing, and Mark (Judith) Diercks of Goodhue; grandchildren, Jessica (Jesse)Vold, Tiffany Jaeger, Adrienne (Josh) Hanson, Kelsey Deaton, Colin Warren, Jacob (Bonnie) Diercks, Meghan Diercks, and Emma Diercks; great-grandchildren, Kaylie and Jack Vold, Beau and Bella Jaeger, Chase, Carter and Quinn Hanson, and Annabelle Diercks; siblings, Stanley (Marilyn) Diercks, John (Elaine) Diercks, Edith Milligan, Maxine Wiech, Dean (MaryAnn) Diercks, Marcia (Dean) Luhman, Ruth (Dick) Berg, Roger (Linda) Diercks, Jerry (Sue) Diercks, Kathleen (Fran) Jonas, and Judy (Dr. Jim) O'Reilly.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ralph Diercks.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Concordia Lutheran Church, with Reverend Tyge Zucker officiating. Burial will be at Belvidere Union Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2014 at Concordia Lutheran Church, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Memorials are preferred to Belvidere Union Cemetery or the Lutheran Hour.

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Visitation

DEC 12. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)

Concordia Lutheran Church
1805 Bush Street
Red Wing, MN 55066

Visitation

DEC 13. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (CST)

Concordia Lutheran Church
1805 Bush Street
Red Wing, MN 55066

Service

DEC 13. 1:00 PM (CST)

Concordia Lutheran Church
1805 Bush Street
Red Wing, MN 55066