Bernard (Bernie) Dierks, 82, passed away on March 15, 2021. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church, 72ndand Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas on Saturday, March 20th at 12:00 pm. A Rosary will be said prior to Mass starting at 11:15 am. The Mass will be available for live stream viewing at www.stannpv.org/berniedierks. The burial will be private for family at Mt. Olivet.
Bernie was born on May 31, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri to Harry and Helen (McKeever) Dierks. He graduated from St. Elizabeth’s grade school, Rockhurst High School, and the University of Notre Dame. He married Suzanne (Sue) Dierks in 1966 and settled in Prairie Village, Kansas in 1967. He was involved with the family lumber business until it was sold. He loved God, his wife and family and his Catholic faith. Service to others, joy, and humor were hallmarks of his personality. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Knights of Malta, the Serra Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He served on numerous boards including: Chair of the Board of Providence/St. John hospitals, Chair of the Board of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Rockhurst High School Board of Trustees and Father’s Club, Notre Dame de Sion Father’s Club, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas School Board, Savior of the World Pastoral Center Board, St. Ann’s Parish Council, the Notre Dame Alumni Board, and Boy Scout Troop 98. In 1982, he and other St. Ann school families initiated the “yellow trash bag” sales as a yearly fundraiser. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 50 years, Sue. Bernie is survived by his children: Chris (Angie) Dierks of Leawood, Kansas; Angie (Chris Brown) Dierks of North Yarmouth, Maine; and Michael Dierks of Overland Park, Kansas; and grandchildren: Finn, Allie, Emily, Theo, and Connor. His brother, Peter Dierks, of Boulder, Colorado also survives him.
The family would like to thank Regina Taylor and Sister Sylvia, Sister Servants of Mary, for their recent care and compassion.
Memorials can be sent to Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114.
Keeping the Dierks family in our prayers as they celebrate Bernie’s life. May many wonderful memories fill your thoughts.
We had many years of enjoyment with Bernie & Sue, especially through the St. Augustine Discussion Book Group.
You will be missed greatly by your family and friends. You were a loving human being and kind to all. Thank you for your friendship. So sorry that you are gone, but you are in heaven with Sue, whom you deeply loved. Thank you for sharing your life with me in this world. My heart goes to your family and friends. Rest in God’s embrace.
Cannot think of Bernie without Sue, our beloved friends for 50 years! Bernie and Sue epitomized grace, humility, humor, love of family and friends. We loved them dearly. Not to forget the twinkle in Bernie’s eyes, we shall always miss.
We have all been blessed in a thousand different ways. Thank you Chris, Angie and Mike for sharing. We’ve all lost someone extremely special! God bless, Carm and Bill
I so very thankful to been able to share my compassion and care for you during your journey. I’m definitely going to miss your infectious spirit In bringing smiles & joy you brought to people’s lives by just your presence..Now God has reunited him to the kingdom & with his beloved Mrs.Dierks Rest In Heaven my friend Mr. Bernard Dierks. My condolences to Angie, Chris ,and Michael may God bless your family
Chris, Angie, Mike, You are in our prayers during this time of grieving. We are so sorry that you have now lost both remarkable parents. You were blest with many years of witnessing their love and faith. Hold those years close to your heart and continue to do the good they witnessed for you. They will always be close by all of you, for that is the grace of the communion of saints.
Love and sympathy,
Mary Ann and Jerry Meert
Bernie was one of a kind! His delightful warmth and humor were his trademarks. He and Sue were the epitome of a loving, Catholic couple. Bernie’s generosity had no bounds and his devotion to so many groups was unparalleled. I am proud to have called him cousin! May God bless his children and grandchildren. As heaven rejoices at his arrival, we who are left behind can only say…well done good and faithful servant. Hugs and love and prayers to all of Bernie’s family.
Bernie Dierks was a class act. Such a giving person of his time, talent and treasure. Zig Ziglar’s most famous one liner was ” You can get everything in life you want if you will help enough other people get what they want”. That is what comes to mind when I think about Bernie. He truly loved helping other people and he was a great example to his family and many people who had the pleasure of knowing him.
To Bernie’s family and friends I hope his life will be a inspiration to each of you to think about the needs of others.
John & Claudia Caton
Bernie was more than a cousin to me. He and Sue lived up the street from my mom. As she was a young widow, Bernie (and Sue) were always there for her. I will always be grateful for their attention and kindness. As we both lost our beloved spouses in 2016, we bonded even more over our grief. Bernie will surely be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Angie, Chris, Finn, and Theo. Everyone here at 17 Arbor St is thinking of Bernie, your family, and each of you. We are all so sorry for your loss.
great friends, neighbors for many years on elmonte. missed sue and bierie when he left our street please accept my condolence to the family
Bernie was a true “Notre Dame man.” He lived a great life, loved his family and his faith and always had a kind word for everyone. He will be missed by all.
Cousin Bernie be sure and say hi to Sue !
i am sorry to see the passing of a Dierks. My father (George Foglesong) was in the construction business and always spoke so kindly about the Dierks family. He has long passed, but I still have the notepads and pencil with the Dierks name. My condolences.
We always enjoyed the times we spent with Bernie and Sue. Wonderful people! After 50 years of marriage, it had to have been very difficult for Bernie to face each day without Sue. Bernie was a good and holy man, and I pray that his family finds comfort in knowing that he is with Sue again in heaven with God.
Allie & Emily,
I’m so sorry for your loss of your grandfather. I remember how my Allie would talk about her grandfather & I could tell how much you cared & loved him. May you both remember all the good memories you had together. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Rose
Many happy memories of time spent with Bernie and Sue over many years. Prayerful best wishes to Angie, Chris ,and Michael. May God bless you all