Mary Frances "Sharon" Dierks' Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Frances “Sharon” Ann Mulligan Dierks, who left this world peacefully on May 6, 2025, surrounded by family and her beloved dog Mugsie, listening to Frank Sinatra singing "I Did It My Way".
Sharon was born on October 20, 1938, in Clinton, Iowa, the daughter of John and Beatrice (Kreinbring) Mulligan. She lived a life marked by determination, strength, and unmistakable presence. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1957, she married Herman Dierks on July 27, 1957, in Savanna, Illinois. Together they spent decades navigating life’s many seasons side by side. They loved camping with their children in the converted school bus camper that took them to 43 states, Canada twice, and Mexico. Europe was a destination that was enjoyed many times and also Honduras in Central America where they visited their son: Todd in the Peace Corp.
Sharon was known affectionately as “The Pitbull” — a fitting nickname for someone who approached life with fierce loyalty and tenacity. She did things her way, and she did them with conviction. Sharon enjoyed being at the center of attention, entertaining guests and ensuring that every occasion felt special. She loved her music — especially Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond.
Her passions extended into her home as well, where she found great joy in decorating. Sharon took particular pride in her collections of Pinocchio and Nutcracker antiques, which were displayed with care and reflected her appreciation for charm and tradition. She had a sign in her family room that said “its not junk it’s a collection.”
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Herman Dierks, her daughter Kim Vining of Cape Coral, Florida, her son Todd Dierks of Clinton, Iowa, and her grandchildren: Erik Vining of Chicago, Illinois; Erin (Steve) Skutley of Des Moines, Iowa; and Hannah Dierks of Frankfurt, Germany. Sharon was preceded in death by her son Brent Dierks and her two beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia and Ted Lewandowski and Elizabeth and Omar Joseph, sisters-in-law Darline Dierks, Phyllis Dierks Luckritz, and Gwen Dierks Miller and brother-in-law Stan Dierks.
Funeral Services will be 11:00am, Monday, May 12, 2025 at the Church of the Open Door. Visitation will be from 9:30am to the service time, Monday at the church. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Wiebers, Denny Richter, Erik Vining, Erin & Steve Skutley, and Hannah Dierks. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting her obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
Sharon will be remembered for her spirited nature, her unmistakable presence, and her deep connection to those fortunate enough to have known her. The family wishes to thank Leta Hull and Bridget Lumsdon with Compassus Hospice. She will be missed dearly.
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