Willis Diedrich DIERCKS

Willis Diercks, resident of Red Wing, age 93, died Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at his home.

He was born on February 5, 1922 to Kurt and Margaret (Reese) Diercks at Goodhue. He attended elementary and high school there. He served for six months in the CCC at Grand Marais and then worked for the Red Wing Sewer Pipe Company at the clay pits near Goodhue from 1940-1942. Willis then entered military service in the Army. He served with the 91st Division and was in three battles [major campaigns] in Italy during WWII. Following his honorable discharge, he married Leona Nass at Red Wing on October 16, 1948. From 1948-1955, Willis was employed at the Red Wing Flour Mills. He then worked at King Midas Flour Mills at Hastings until 1960. From 1960-1968 he was employed by the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Red Wing. He was associated with Suburban Disposal, Inc. for 30 years, fully retiring in 1991.

Willis also served for two years on the Red Wing City Council and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54, the Burnson-Lillyblad VFW Post #1218, and the DAV. He traveled to many 91st Division reunions and enjoyed family history, fishing, and playing cards.

Willis is survived by his loving wife of more than 66 years, Leona; four children, Judy (Larry) Bunke of Winona, Wayne (Debra) Diercks of Rochester, Arlen (Lynn) Diercks of Red Wing, and Sharon (Kevin) Skeeles of Avon Park, Florida; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Reverend Peter Sternberg officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery with full military honors provided by the Leo C. Peterson American Legion, Post #54. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. -- Mahn Family Funeral Home

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