In loving memory of

Patrick H. Diercks
March 17, 1930 - July 12, 2012

Patrick H. Diercks, of Antigo, died Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Eastview Medical Rehabilitation Center. He was 82 years old. He was born on March 17, 1930 in Antigo a son of the late Walter and Anne (Schultz) Diercks. He married Margaret Anne Cain on June 14, 1952 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, West Bend, WI. She survives.

He graduated from Antigo High School in 1947 and St. Norbert College, De Pere, in 1951. He served in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division, from 1951-1952.

He worked for Walter Diercks Farms from 1952-1975. Mr. Diercks then taught at St. Mary School until 1985, and The People's Bank from 1985-1990. Mr. Diercks coached 5th 6th grade basketball at St. Mary and Little League baseball at Polar. He was the co-creator of the Tater Trot in 1980.

He was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge 662 for 60 years, and a past Exalted Ruler District Deputy. He was also a past member of the Green Bay Diocese Catholic School Board and the People's Bank Board of Directors.

He enjoyed running, biking, skiing, golfing and playing cards.

In addition to his wife survivors include a daughter, Anne Mary McCabe, St. Louis, MO; three sons, Michael Diercks, Nekoosa, Mark Diercks, Long Island, NY and Patrick Diercks, Plainfield, IL; a grandson, Troy Turnipseed, St. Louis, MO; a sister, Bettyann Hall, Flossmoor, IL; aunt, June Diercks, Antigo; a sister-in-law, Harriet Cain; and a brother-in-law, John (Helen) Cain.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Joe McCabe; and three brothers-in-law, Robert Cain, James Cain and G. Russell Hall.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at SS Mary Hyacinth Catholic Church with Reverend David Schmidt officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery. Visitation will be 3:30 - 7 p.m. on Sunday and 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held at 4 p.m. and an Elk's Lodge of Sorrow Service at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to SS. Mary Hyacinth Catholic Church or the Antigo Area Food Pantry.

Tributes

Christine Sikorski wrote on Jun 4, 2022:

"I met Pat the summer of 1976 at the Trees for Tomorrow camp in Eagle River, where he was taking classes with a group of teachers and I was participating in a Youth Conservation Corps program. I lost my dad when I was eight and thereafter was continually on the lookout for fatherly attention. I met some disreputable people during my adolescence, men willing to take advantage of my vulnerability. Pat was an honorable man. He was warm, fun, kind, and just what I needed?a fatherly presence. He and I corresponded for many months after camp?maybe even years. I still think of him as one of the touchstones of my adolescence. He was pure gold. I hit the jackpot."

Debbie (Wagner) Clark wrote on Jul 17, 2012:

"To my St. Mary's alumni, Pat will always be apart of our lives and we are thankful for him. To my grade school partner Pat............words cannot tell you how sad I am to here or your father's death. I just lost my dad at the end of April and think I can feel some of what you are going through. My love and thought are with you. To Peg........what can I say. I learned of what a great and long love is with mom and dad and know the same is true with you and Pat. My heart goes out to you. Please know I will always remember that twinkle in Pat's eyes when he smiled and the laughter he gave ofter. Love to all"

Dr. Thomas E. Fuhrmann wrote on Jul 14, 2012:

"I will always remember pat from my days as the Principal at AHS. He was aleays kind and loved to talk to you and help out whenever he could. My prayers and condolences go out to the family. Pat suffers no more as he is in the arms of the Lord preparing a place for us. Deacon Tom "

Barb Fleming wrote on Jul 12, 2012:

"My Uncle Pat was one of the dearest men I have known. He always had a smile on his face and a great big hug for me when we saw each other. Even though many miles separated us, I always carried a very special place in my heart for him, for my Aunt Margaret, and for my dear cousins. He now joins my Father and my Uncle Jim and my Grandparents in a very special place in Heaven. With love, Barb, Scott and Family"

Karla Fuchs wrote on Jul 12, 2012:

"Pat was one of the nicest men I have ever met. Tyler and I loved him very much and will miss him greatly. Ty always got a kick out of his huge appetite. Where did he put it all? Now he can eat whatever he wants and all day long in Heaven. Love, Karla & Tyler xoxo"