Duaine George Dierks

Duaine George Dierks, age 81, of Northwood, Iowa, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. Duaine was born on September 8, 1943, at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa, to George V. and Elaine M. (Barker) Dierks. Duaine was baptized on April 9, 1944, and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Osage, Iowa. Duaine enlisted in the United States Air Force and earned his high school diploma while in the service. He served our country as a jet engine mechanic during the Vietnam War from 1964 until his honorable discharge in 1968; his last tour of duty was in Idaho. On April 12, 1969, Duaine was united in marriage to Myra Esther Nelson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lime Springs, Iowa. The couple was blessed with two children, Jeannie Lynn and John Christopher. Duaine farmed in Newburg Township from 1969 until his retirement in 2021. He had a huge love of flying planes; especially his personal plane. One of his fondest memories of flying was the Sunday flights he would take with his family to different airports in the area for lunch. He also enjoyed fishing trips with his family, especially to Devil’s Lake in North Dakota. Duaine was a longtime member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed Sunday fellowship with his friends. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will love and miss him forever. Duaine is survived by his wife, Myra; daughter Jeannie (Dan) Tenold; son, John (Dawn) Dierks; grandchildren, Tanner Iseminger, Emma Dierks, Kelsey (Matt) Bushbaum, and Tiarra (Derreck) Walk; great-grandchildren, Grady, Baylee, and Opal Walk, and Kollyns and Leighton Bushbaum; brother, Eldon “Butch” (Cheryl) Dierks; cousin, Gary (Kathy) Dierks; sister-in-law, Delores (Gene) Praska; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elaine; brother, David Dierks; and infant sister, Norma Jean Dierks. A celebration of Duaine’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton with Pastor Paul Weeg officiating. The visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at church. Schroeder-Hoff Funeral Home of Northwood is assisting the family with arrangements.