Roger N. Dierks

Roger Dierks, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. He was surrounded by people who loved him and who will miss him deeply.

Roger was born in Houlton, Wisconsin, on March 26,1939. His parents, William Edmond and May (Anderson) Dierks raised him alongside his four siblings on their family’s dairy farm. Roger learned early the value of responsibility by helping with chores like milking the cows and cleaning the barn. The family farm was deeply rooted in Roger’s life, originally cultivated by his great-grandfather and then passed on to grandfather and father. This legacy impressed upon Roger the importance of family.

Roger graduated from Hudson High School in 1958. Growing up on the family farm, he developed a remarkable ability to fix just about anything, so eventually that interest led him to St. Paul Technical College, where he studied to become a machinist. Roger took his mechanical expertise to 3M Corporation where he enjoyed a long career in Facilities Maintenance. At 3M, Roger was the guy everyone could count on. He solved problems, repaired equipment, and mentored young employees. His sons worked alongside him during their high school summers, learning not only the skills, but also the value of hard work from their father.

While attending Hudson High School, Roger met the love of his life, Janet Grass. The two were part of the same circle of friends that remained intact beyond high school. On July 9, 1960, Roger and Janet walked down the aisle, and he proclaimed his devotion to his forever bride. Their marriage spanned more than six decades, during which time they raised four sons who grew to reflect the hard work and family values that they learned from their father.

Roger was most proud of his family. He coached baseball and faithfully attended countless baseball and hockey games. Roger never missed an opportunity to encourage his boys. Although he often joked that he wished for a daughter to spoil, everyone saw him spoil his sons and later his grandchildren with abundant love and affection.

Outside of work and family, Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, racing stock cars, and canning peppers and pickles. In his younger years, he was passionate about sports, especially track—running and pole vaulting—and boxing. He was an active member of the Golden Gloves boxing program and a welter weight champion, embracing the discipline of the sport. Friends knew him as someone who loved to laugh and enjoy a cold beer. Roger possessed a legendary sense of humor-he was famous for his teasing. If Roger teased you, it was a sure sign he liked you. As his father often commented, “Roger, you’ve always got to stir the pot, don’t you?” That playful spirit kept the people around him smiling.

Behind his humor was a man of quiet integrity and genuine humility. Roger believed respect was earned through hard work, keeping your word, and being there for others. His family will remember him as dependable, selfless, faithful, and steady—a man whose strength was found not in what he said, but in how he lived.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, his children and grandchildren, along with many relatives and friends who will forever treasure the example he set and the countless memories they shared.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Edmond Dierks and May Olive (Anderson) Dierks; his brother, Thomas Dierks; half-brother, Sherman Sutter; brother-in-law, Theodore Treptow; brother-in-law Ronald Grass; sister-in-law, Kathy (Ronald) Grass; and brother-in-law, Dick Kidd.

Roger is survived by his children, Todd (Kristine) Dierks, Jamie (Carie) Dierks, Eric (Lisa) Dierks, and Jason Dierks; siblings, Josephine Treptow of Arizona; brothers, Richard (Patti) Dierks of Frederic, Wisconsin, Val (Janny) Dierks of Hudson; his grandchildren, Taylor Dierks, Brooke Sveum, Jonathon Dierks, Brandon Dierks, Ben Dierks, Bailee Dierks, Eli Dierks; his great-grandchildren, Beckham Danzel and Sloane Sveum; sisters- and brothers-in law, Geraldine Kidd of Roberts, Wisconsin, Paul (Lynda) Grass of Arizona, and Chris (Diane) Grass of Alaska; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life for Roger Dierks will be held Thursday, August 6th from 5pm to 8pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Memorial services and burial in the Houlton Cemetery will be private. Cremation and memorial services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.