Ralph Diercks, 74

Ralph Erwin Diercks, 74, of Reads Landing, died suddenly Sunday, Jan. 1, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Wabasha.

Ralph was born on Aug. 18, 1937, the son of Harry and Margaret (Heitman) Diercks. He grew up in Red Wing and graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1955. On Dec. 29, 1957, he married Janice Lemmerman; they later divorced. Ralph enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and served his country for 10 years. He worked for Majerus Oil Company and many other service stations before owning and operating several stations in Red Wing. In 1977, Ralph started 4 Seasons Sports on Hill Street before relocating to its current location on Old West Main Street.

He became a professional fisherman. He was a member of the Master Walleye Circuit (MWC) and entered many fishing tournaments, including the Escanaba Tournament in Michigan which he won. He also hosted several MWC fishing tournaments. He served a fishing guide and was selected to be former Gov. Arne Carlson's fishing guide when Red Wing hosted the Governor's Fishing Opener. Ralph was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed traveling, all sports, and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

Ralph is survived by his former wife, Janice Diercks of Reads Landing; loving children, Gregg (Jean) Diercks, Scott (Rebecca) Diercks, and Michelle (Jeremy) Plote, all of Red Wing; Michelle's mother, Geraldine Hoffman of Red Wing; ten grandchildren, Angela Diercks, Melissa Diercks, Tyler Diercks, Emily Diercks, Katelyn Diercks, Kyle Diercks, Kalley Diercks, Kori Jo Diercks, Kennedy Diercks, and Bristol Plote; six brothers, Richard (Elaine), Stanley (Marilyn), Dean (Mary), Roger (Linda), and Jerry (Sue), all of Red Wing, and John (Elaine) of Lake City; six sisters, Edith Milligan, Maxine Wiech, and Marcia (Dean) Luhman, all of Hastings, Ruth (Richard) Berg of Alexandria, Kathleen (Francis) Jonas of Welch, and Judith (James) O'Reilly of Belle Plaine; many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Dale Wiech.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing, with Reverend Mary Eide officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Mahn Family Funeral Homes, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, and also for 1 hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in Belvidere Union Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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