Walter Dieken

Walter Louis Dieken was born on February 7, 1924, in Rheiderland Township, Chippewa County, near Clara City, the son of Richard and Angelina "Lena" Dieken. He was baptized on March 9, 1924 and confirmed in the Lutheran faith on May 7, 1939, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City. He attended country school and on September 2, 1945, was united in marriage to Etta Reiter in Immanuel Lutheran Church.Walter farmed and drove truck throughout his working years. He was an active, lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and participated as a member of the Church Council, the Property & Management Committee and Lutheran Brotherhood, (which later became Lutheran Men in Mission). He volunteered for ushering duties and enjoyed helping to serve pancake suppers.Walter's first love was driving truck and hauling livestock to South St. Paul and Sioux Falls, SD. He loved all aspects of farming and shared this love with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending as many Saturday nights as he could at the Eagle's Club in Willmar where he participated in old time dancing. He spent many hours listening to waltzes and polkas on the radio and watching old time bands perform on television. He was also a member of the Clara City Telephone Company Board of Directors for 26 years.In 1985, Walter ?semi-retired? and he and Etta moved to their home in Clara City. He never completely left the farm, always driving out in his pick-up truck to visit and tend to his garden. He enjoyed feeding the farm animals and spending time with his family. Walter was a gentle, kind man with a sense of humor who got along with everyone he met. He died peacefully on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at the Clara City Care Center. He was 87 years of age.Surviving family include Etta, his wife of 66 years; his three children- Sherdith (& Howard) Greenhagen of Minnetonka, Gloria (& Ben) Williams of Fair Oaks, CA; and Duane (& Laurie) Dieken of Clara City; one brother- Marvin (& Virginia) Dieken of Naples, FL; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grand hildren; three sisters-in-law Sylvia (& Warren) Hebrink and Gertie Lalim, both of Clara City, and Barb Reiter of Denver, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Arthur and sister-in-law Marion Dieken.