Irene A. Dierks

IRENE A. DIERKS, 81, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 9:26 am, Thursday, November 25, 2021, surrounded by her four children at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

She was born to the late Helmer and Helen (nee Peterson) Olson on April 4, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. Due to her parents death at the age of 3 she became an orphan and in foster care until the age of 11, when she was adopted by Isadore and Freda Moll in Chester, Illinois.

Irene married Marvin E. Dierks on June 20, 1959 in Chester, Illinois; he preceded her in death on April 10, 2015.

She first worked as a secretary at the Chester High School for one year. Then was a homemaker until the youngest of their 4 children entered kindergarten. She then was employed at Chester Memorial Hospital for 21 years, where she was a secretary for the engineering department and in the medical records office.

She was an organist for the Peace Lutheran Church and then St. Johns Lutheran Church retiring after 61 years of faithfully playing at many weddings, funerals, and church services. She was also a member of the LWML and enjoyed quilting with the ladies.

Irene and Marvin loved music. She would play the piano once she moved to the Chester Manor for the enjoyment of her fellow residents. There she also enjoyed playing cards, doing crafts, and playing bingo. Each year, Irene would donate dolls that she had sewn and crocheted clothes for. They were then donated to orphanages and the St. John Lutheran School’s annual auction.

Survivors:

1 Son:

Leland (Ange) Dierks Evansville, IN

3 Daughters:

Linda (Jim) Schlueter Sparta, IL

Cheryl (Jack) Houghlan Chester, IL

Susan (Gary) Wright N. Ft. Meyers, FL

8 Grandchildren:

Andrew Schlueter, Jordan (Stephanie), Link, Parker & Claire Dierks, Zack Houghlan, Alesksa & Glenn Wright.

May the Lord grant them comfort and peace in their loss of a loved one.

Preceded in Death by : Parents, 1 Brother – John Moll, 3 Sisters – June Olson, Alice Kyjek and Beverly O’Shea, 2 Grandsons – Ben & Joshua Schlueter.

Funeral Service :

11:00 am, Monday, November 29, 2021

St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois

Officiating:

Rev. Justin Massey

Interment :

Paradise Cemetery

Steeleville, Illinois

Visitation:

Monday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois

Memorials :

St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, Illinois