"To all, I remember as your neighbor the kindness that your Betty showed us. All the times as kids we played basketball in the driveway and she would fix us up with lemonade. Even jumping in the leaves from the retaining wall she would keep an eye on us. I am sure that your loss is not with out fond memories. Sorry that we missed the funeral home but know that our thoughts and prayer are with all of you."
In loving memory of
Elizabeth (Bette) Diercks
December 10, 1922 - August 16, 2015
Elizabeth, (Bette), Diercks, 92, of Antigo, died Sunday, August 16, 2015 at Evergreen Terrace under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was born on December 10, 1922 in Antigo, a daughter of Walter and Anne (Fleischmann) McCann. She married Jack Diercks on January 23, 1947 in Antigo. He preceded her in death on October 18, 1999.
She was Antigo High School's prom queen in 1939 and graduated in 1940. She then attended secretarial college and later worked as a secretary for Mr. Figgy at the Kraft plant in Antigo. She was a volunteer at Langlade County Memorial Hospital for 20 years and was recognized by the Red Cross as a frequent blood donor. She also tutored students at St. John School.
Family was the most important aspect of her life. She was a proud homemaker who dedicated herself to her husband and raising their six children. She treasured time spent at Bass Lake. Watching her grandchildren swim, putting puzzles together and reading on the porch were priceless times at the lake.
She was a member of St. John Catholic Church. Bette's Christian faith was a priority in her life and a constant source of comfort and strength. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet demeanor and an entertaining sense of humor.
She leaves loving memories to be cherished by her six children: Tom (Debbie) Diercks, Antigo; Dan (Gloria) Diercks, Denver, Colorado; Jim (Mary) Diercks, Antigo; Sue (Mark) Braun, St. Francis; Bob (Judy) Diercks, Antigo; Cindi (Rick) Kekula, Merrimac; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by two sisters: Shirley Platek, Brookings, South Dakota; and Dorothy Brandt, Antigo; and one brother, Lloyd "Mac" McCann, Antigo.
The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 20, at 12 noon at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment will take place at Queen of Peace Mausoleum.
Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, at the Bradley Funeral Home. On Thursday, August 20, visitation will be in Hoffmann Hall at St. John Catholic Church from 11 a.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to All Saints Catholic School 419 Sixth Ave. Antigo, WI 54409.
The memory of this beautiful mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend, will forever bring a smile to the faces of all who knew her.
Tributes
"I want to extend my condolences to the family for your loss, my mother Marianna (Washburn) Poshinske talked about a friend Bette Diercks probably one of the bridge ladies, my mother died in 1986 she was 68 you were blessed to have her with you that long! My prayers & thoughts are with you."
"So sorry for the loss of your lovely mother. My thoughts and prayers are being sent to comfort you."
"Dan--please know the Bornemann prays are with your entire family during this very sad time. We offer our sincere condolences. She was one wonderful lady and I will always have fond memories. She and Jack are holding hands once again.--Bob "
"A family favorite, Bette Diercks, and we are all grateful for her never ending grace, hope and kindness to all. Our memories of Bass Lake will continued to be highlighted by her presence. May God continue to shine his light on her memory and family. With condolences and love. The W.W. Gamble III Family (Bill, Bill Jr., Margy, Nancy, Becky and Mike "
"Please accept my prayers on the loss of your Mother, a beautiful women with a kind and gentle spirit. Hold on to your memories and you will always have her in your heart. My sympathy to the Diercks Family. "
"Betty & Jack were our neighbor (s) Betty is ( was ) a great, grand lady and great neighbor ~ She thought it to be adorable that our Daughter Amanda would "hang" out on her front step. Oh the stories those two shared ~
To the Dierck's Family; Our most sincere sympathy in the loss of Bette ~ May the memories give you the strength ~
Sincerely,
Steve, Kathy and Amanda Jensen
"
"I loved the times Susie and I sat at the kitchen counter at Bass Lake and colored and played games on the front porch. 4th of July fun and fireworks from the island. Aunt Bette always made you feel welcomed! A special lady indeed."
"I spent many days and weekends on 6th Ave, Bass Lake and the Lodge near Langlade. Mrs. Diercks always graciously put up with us. I was always welcome in her home and cottage. Keep your memories close, she was a wonderful mother and a strong lady!"
"Everyone was always welcomed into her home and cottage with the warmest smile and open heart. My memories of Bette are filled with love, kindness and strength. Big hugs to the Diercks clan. May her legacy makes us all a "bette"r person."