Thomas Ernest Dierks , August 15, 1939 — November 07, 2018

Thomas Dierks, age 79, of Norwalk died Wednesday morning, November 07, 2018 peacefully in his sleep at home due to a heart condition he had since 1988. A Tribute Service will be at 1 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Gathering until 3 p.m. will be Saturday, November 10th at the Norwalk Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Tom Dierks Family.

They plan to place something in his memory at the Iowa State Fair as well as in his hometown of Tallula, IL. Tom’s Life Story Thomas Ernest Dierks was born on August 15, 1939 in Tallula, IL to parents Ernest Gilbert and Neva Belle Dierks. He had one sibling, Patricia Davis of Tallula.

His father Ernie was killed in action in France during WWII when Tom was just six years old. His mother Neva spent the rest of her life raising Tom & Patti in the small home Ernie had taken her to, right next to her church. His world revolved around his mother & sister.

He was a graduate of Tallula High. One of eight kids in the Class of 1957. Tom worked for Massey Ferguson- Agco Allis for 53 years.

He was very successful as a territory sales manager for the company and enjoyed the time he got to spend with all his dealers, farmers and coworkers. He finally retired in 2012 at the age of 73. At one point he was the most tenured employee of the entire company.

Tom and Linda were married for nearly 40 years. They were married in front of her parent’s fireplace on December 21, 1979. Out of this union they had a daughter, Jennifer JoLin and together they raised their 8 children.

Their family grew to include 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Tom loved watching Fox News. He was a devoted Republican and a highlight of his life was getting to see Trump at his rally in Norwalk with Jenni and Marcus.

Tom and Linda live on 40 acres. He loved fishing at the pond with his children and grandchildren as well as morel mushroom hunting and riding the golf cart. He also had a great love of the Iowa State Fair.

For many years he ran his company’s display at the fair. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernie & Nevie. His father and mother-in-law Ted & Gladys Craven.

His son-in-law Tim Lewis. And his brother-in-laws Cleo Craven, Gene Craven and Chuck Ainsworth.

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