Pickerell, Evelyn Harms Dierks

Evelyn Harms Dierks Pickerell, 87, of Cedar Rapids, died May 26, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital. Private graveside services will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Evelyn Harms was born in Scotch Grove, Iowa, on June 20, 1923, to Henry and Minnie Harms. She attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Monticello High School. She worked during World War II at Collins Radio and later worked in radiology for 23 years at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

She was a member of Wayne Zion Church in Monticello and Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. She also was a lifelong member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Evelyn married her first husband, Lorence Dierks, on April 23, 1946. They made their home in Cedar Rapids. Lorence passed away Oct. 28, 1976. Evelyn proudly remained in their home for 65 years.

Our appreciation is extended to her devoted friend, Ellie Wenndt, for her loving care of Evelyn during the past few years of her life.

Evelyn married her second husband, Ralph Pickerell, on May 27, 1978. He died July 14, 1983.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Linda Stauffacher of Cedar Rapids; her daughter, Rhonda Wilford and husband Doug of Somerset, Ky.; and her son, Larry Dierks and wife Sandy of Hiawatha. Left to honor the memory of Grandma D are her beloved grandchildren, Brandon and Brett Wilford, Derik Stauffacher and Jarek and Jessa Dierks. She is survived by great-grandchildren, AshLinn Wilford, Jacob Steinberg and Kinsey and Kira Stauffacher. Evelyn is also survived by beloved sister-in-law, Helen Harms; her daughter, Kathy Frostestad; as well as numerous additional nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Minnie Harms; her brother, Milton Harms; her first husband, Lorence Dierks; second husband, Ralph Pickerell; and her grandson, Devin Stauffacher.

Evelyn lived her life for God, her children, grandchildren and her many friends. Everyone who knew Evelyn loved her. She embraced life and had an infectious personality, laughed easily and laughed often. You were fortunate to have worked with her because she always brought in homemade baked goods. She prided herself in being a terrific cook and loved family occasions. Evelyn loved to dance.

Be at peace, Evelyn. It is now time to dance with the angels.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Evelyn's family on the webpage,  under Obituaries.