Pauline H. Dierkes, age 98 of Carlyle, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Mrs. Dierkes was born on October 19, 1926, in Germantown, IL, a daughter of the late Cecilia (Kniepmann) and Arnold Haake, Sr. Known for her quiet and soft-spoken nature, Pauline enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She met the love of her life, Norman D. Dierkes, at Wee Walker/Trimfoot Shoe Factory, where she worked diligently for 44 years. Together, Pauline and Norman shared many joys over their 75 years of marriage, until his passing on November 29, 2023. They cherished the times spent at the family clubhouse with family and friends. Her garden flourished, and they always kept a stock of freshly canned tomatoes, green beans, corn, and pickles. Pauline loved playing pinochle and rummy and following her favorite sports teams. She never missed a Cardinals game whether on television or radio. Pauline also enjoyed watching college basketball, especially the Fighting Illini.
Pauline was an extraordinary baker, best known for her chocolate chip cookies and zucchini bread. She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Church.
Pauline is survived by her loving daughter, Carol Ray (Michael) of Centralia; her beloved grandson, Andrew Ray of Beckemeyer; her brother, Richard Haake (Kathy) of Germantown; and her in-laws, Ethel Haake and Marilyn Haake, both of Germantown and Donna Melius of St. Charles, MO. Pauline is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Pauline was preceded in death by her dear husband, Norman; her parents, Arnold, Sr., and Cecilia (Kniepmann) Haake; her mother and father-in-law, William and Ruby Dierkes; her siblings, Clarence Haake (Elizabeth), Lucille Gramann (Edward), Dolores “Dory” Johnson (John), Mary Winter (Joe), Arnold “Spike” Haake, Jr. and Thomas Haake; and her in-laws, Laurann and Philip Grady, Kelly Dierkes, Margie and Virgil Kohrmann, and Peter Melius.
Thank you to Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living for the wonderful, loving, tender, and helpful care that was given to my mom. Words cannot express how thankful I am for everything.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 3, 2025, at St. Mary’s Church, 1171 Jefferson St. Carlyle, IL 62231. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carlyle. Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Dierkes are suggested to Clinton County Senior Services, Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living Activities Fund, or to St. Mary’s Church Building Fund. Memorials and cards will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton St. Carlyle, IL 62231. www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
