April 30, 1931 – Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Service Information
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church-Buffalo
Saturday, January 23, 2016
1:00 P.M.

Visitation Information
AT THE CHURCH
Saturday, January 23, 2016
10:00 A.M. – time of service

Earl Paul Dierks, 84, from Buffalo, MN, went to meet our Lord on January 13th, 2016. He passed away at home surrounded by loving and supportive family.
Earl was born in Bemidji, MN, on April 30th, 1931, to Reverend Arthur and Vivian (Kruger) Dierks. They moved to Dorset, MN, where his father was pastor at First English Lutheran Church for 21 years. Earl graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1949 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps the same year. He served in combat in Korea from October 1950 until April 1952. He then served another 6 years in active reserves.
Earl and Marlene Sartain were married in 1952 and had 4 children: Dennis (Nancy), Sheryl Johnson (Wes), Joel (Maria), and Markham (Julie). In 1975, he married Sharon (Thorp) Munson and this union came blessed with a blended family. His three Munson children are Jane Robin, David Munson (Janelle), and Katy Bauernschmitt (Wayne). Together Earl and Sharon welcomed 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Earl was a dedicated member of St John’s Lutheran Church, supporting in every way including prayers. He served his fellow members as an usher for 40 years, helped to serve funeral meals, collated for the office staff, and delivered countless Meals on Wheels.
Earl became a fisherman early in life, taught by his father and fishing companions. He also was an avid hunter, mostly hunting deer in recent years. Many will miss him at the Buffalo Health Club. Relaxation for Earl also involved working on his 20-acre wooded property near French lake. He also truly enjoyed keeping his home, yard, and beach on Maple Lake in picture perfect condition. Travel was important to both Sharon and Earl and they managed to visit Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, the Panama Canal, Alaska, many countries in Europe including a full year in England where Sharon taught, and most of the USA. Travel also became a part of his job as controller for Cornelius Company.
In October 2015, Earl was diagnosed with an incurable disease called amyloidosis which effects one or two in a million. He fought a courageous battle. Special thanks to the staff from Centra Care Health Hospice for their support.
Earl was the oldest of 8 children: Lorraine Voss, Joanne Avenson , William, Margrete Rinde, Donald, Fredrick (Barbara), Kathleen Williamson. He was preceded in death by brothers Bill and Don; sisters- in-law Patty Dierks, Linda Dierks, Diane (Thorp) Hudgins; and brothers- in-law Royal Aho, Lou Rinde, Jean Jern, Walter Voss, Marlyn Avenson, Mike Williamson.
Memorial donations can be made to St John’s Lutheran Church, Buffalo or to the DAV (Disabled Vet).