AVA, Elmer A. Dierks, 87, of Ava, passed away at 1:15 PM Friday, October 17, 2014, at Union County Hospital in Anna, Illinois. He was born October 22, 1926 in Ava, Illinois, the son of Edwin and Clara (Brockmeyer) Dierks. Elmer married Violet L. Luedeman on May 28, 1955 in Chester, IL . Elmer was a retired Farmer. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Elmer was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, West Point, the B. B. K. American Legion Post #480 in Steeleville, IL, Kaskaskia VFW Post #3553, Chester, IL, the Jackson County Farm Bureau and the Immanuel Lutheran Men's Club. He is survived by his: wife: Violet L. Dierks, Ava, IL; Children: Donna (Lester) Kothe, Steeleville, IL, Larry (Pam) Dierks, Ava, IL, Joyce (Marvin) Bartens, Steeleville, IL; Grandchildren: Lari Dierks, Lane Dierks, Lathan Dierks, Luke Bartens and Logan Bartens; Sisters-in-law: Norma Rodeward, Ruth (Lloyd) Mueller and LaWanda (friend, Wayne Shields) Karaca; Nephews: Jacob (friend Chip)Karaca, Rachel (Matt) Sleeter, Wayne (Nancy) Rodewald, Lloyd (Lucinda) Rodewald, Craig (Jill) Mueller and Tom Liefer; Nieces: Sue Rodewald, Vivian Downing, Doris (Jay) Groves and Susan (Chuck) Closson. Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, 1 Sister, Bernice Rodewald, 2 Brothers-in-law: Wilbert Rodeward and Ike Karaca; Nephews: Paul and David Rodewald and Niece: Leslie Karaca. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church West Point, Illinois with Rev. Tim B. Zechiel officiating. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery (West Point), Campbell Hill, IL. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, on Sunday where friends may call from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Monday from 7:30am to 9:00am, then 10 to 11am at the church. B.B. K. American Legion Post #480 Service will be at 8pm Sunday at the Funeral Home and Graveside Service will be by the Kaskaskia VFW Post #3553. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund or St. Mark's School.