Dierks, Robert Detlef

Robert Detlef Dierks, 85, of Holstein, formerly of Sunset, Texas, was called peacefully home to his Savior on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, following a brief illness at the Holstein Good Samaritan Society. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. today at St. John's Lutheran Church in Galva, with the Rev. Paul D. Egger officiating. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Desel-Schmidt Post 225. Burial will be at a later date. A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. today at the church. The Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein is in charge of arrangements.

Robert was born Sept. 21, 1925, in rural Clinton County, Iowa, the son of Detlef and Leone (Gehlsen) Dierks. Upon graduation from Stanwood High School he enlisted in the Navy. He went through training at NTS, Farragut, Idaho and then was stationed on the USS Fulton. He received an honorable discharge in May 1946. He worked in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska and Seattle, Wash., on governmental projects until returning to Cedar County, Iowa.

He married his beloved wife, Ruth Louise Christensen, on March 12, 1953, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Stanwood, Iowa. They lived in rural Jones County north of Clarence for many years. From their union they had five children and were blessed to be married 47 years. They moved to Texas in 1986.

Robert was an active volunteer in the American Legion, always willing to help another in need, and an elder at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He enjoyed being involved with work and his family. He was always ready to provide a helping hand and had a twinkle in his eye.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, on Jan. 1, 2001; his parents, Detlef Peter and Leone Catherine Dierks; his brothers, Glenn, Jack, Detlef Jr., Donivan and Gene, who died as a toddler.

He is survived by his children. Robert Allen Dierks, Randall Lee Dierks, Russell Earl Dierks of Sunset, Texas, Rolly and Christy Dierks of Corinth, Texas, and Rita (Dierks) and Larry Frahm of Galva; and numerous grandchildren.