Richard Diercks

Richard Norman Diercks, 70, of Red Wing, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. He was born August 10, 1940 in Hay Creek Township to Norman and Molly (Carlon) Diercks. He graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1958 and married Barbara Nelson in September of 1959, later divorcing. On May 17, 1986 he married Rita Holst at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing. He was employed in the early 1960's at Ferrin Furniture, later embarking on a 30 year career with the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Red Wing. He was a member of the Redmen Club. Dick had a lifelong passion for reading, writing and cooking. He also enjoyed going to horse races, traveling, gardening and his close companion, Angie, his cat.

He is survived by his wife, Rita of Red Wing; two children, Catherine (Phill) Nickel of Palm Bay, Florida and Steven Diercks of Duluth; one grandson, Blake Nickel; one sister, Phyllis (Nordien) Jackson of Tucson, Arizona; an aunt and uncle, Leona and Willis Diercks of Red Wing and many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church.