Gwen J. Dierks Miller's Obituary
Gwen J. Dierks Miller, 91, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024 at her home at Sarah Harding in Clinton. Cremation rites were her wishes. There will be no visitation. A private family gathering will be held. She and her husband will be buried together at the Clinton Lawn Cemetery at a later date. Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family and online condolences may be expressed by visiting her obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
Gwen was born in Clinton on September 16, 1932, the daughter of Stanley H. and Dorothy L. (Hansen) Dierks. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1951 and Mount Saint Clare in 1956. She taught school in LeClaire, Iowa and Savanna and Thomson in Illinois. Later she worked for her brother, Stan Dierks, at the Independent Optical Dispensary. Gwen and her sister, Phyllis Luckritz were the owners and partners of the Fashion Shoppe.
Gwen was a volunteer for Mercy Medical Center, Eagle Point Nursing Home and the Discovery Center. She was a member of the Lyons business and Professional Association (LBPA).
She enjoyed time with her family, picnics in her backyard, gardening, crocheting, cross stitching, reading and time with her pets. She also liked to hand feed her squirrels. She was a member of the Red Hats.
Gwen (Daffy Daisy) and her sister, Phyllis (Loony Balloony) were the Fashion Shoppe clowns. They visited hospitals and nursing homes. They took part in area businesses company parties and were participants in parades in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. For several years the Felix Adler Days headquarters were held at the Fashion Shoppe. They were also Santa’s elves at several Clinton business Christmas parties.
Gwen married Wilfred G. Kroll in 1956. He died in 1970. She married Merle F. Miller on October 16, 1976. She is survived by her husband Merle, their children: Michael (Amy) Kroll of Erie, Illinois, Tim (Lesa) Miller of Bedford, Indiana, Lyn (William) Smith of Ludington, Michigan and Lisa (David) Heim of Romeoville, Illinois; brothers: Robert Dierks, Herman (Sharon) Dierks, Stanley (Kay) Dierks all of Clinton; many grandchildren and great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Wilfred Kroll, daughter Jane Brown, sister Phyllis Luckritz, brother-in-law Robert Luckritz, sister-in-law Darline Dierks and two nephews Larry Luckritz and Brent Dierks.
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