CHESTER – Leonard A. Dierks, 91, of Chester, was called to his heavenly home at 11:15 am, Friday, January 12, 2024, at Memorial Hospital, Chester, IL.

Leonard was born April 12, 1932, in Degonia Township, IL, to Ernest and Clara (Ohlau) Dierks. He married Darlene E. Rubach on August 29, 1953, in Steeleville, IL. She preceded him in death on May 18, 2022. Leonard served his country as a gunner in the Korean Conflict. He retired from World Color Press-Spartan Printing in Sparta, IL. He had worked at the International Shoe Company in Steeleville, IL and on his parent's farm in Campbell Hill, IL. He was a rock and roll accordion player in the Rockabillies Band in the 1950's. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Steeleville, IL. Leonard was also a member of BBK American Legion Post #480, Steeleville and Kaskaskia VFW Post #3553, Chester, IL.

Leonard was a God-fearing believer. He was a good man. He was a good husband and a good father. He loved his wife and family. He loved his country. He loved to fish and hunt and taught his kids well. He loved music and entertaining family and friends with his accordion on every occasion. He was as good as they get.

Leonard is survived by his children: Barbara (Mike) Stearns of Makanda, IL, Alan (Carrie) Dierks of Steeleville, IL, Terry Dierks of Morton, IL; eight grandchildren: Jeremy Alms, Travis Dierks, Andrea Mevert, Eric Ehlers, Emilie Wallace, Austin Dierks, Amilia Marigold, Alex Dierks; and nine great grandchildren.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, a sister - Alberna (Murray) Sternberg, and a brother Marvin (Irene) Dierks.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 17, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, with Rev. Mark Harriss officiating. Burial to follow at Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville. Visitation will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where friends may call on Wednesday from 11 am until 2 pm, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Memorials may be given to St. Mark's Lutheran Church and can be mailed to Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288. To sign the guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.