Arthur "Art" R. Diercks

Arthur Robert Diercks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected businessman, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. Born on May 24, 1933, in Moorhead, Minnesota, Art was the only child of Arthur P. and Christine Diercks.

He was raised in Moorhead, with a few memorable years in Washington, D.C., while his father served as a Navy Lieutenant. Art was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church where he became a lifetime member.

Art graduated from Moorhead High School in 1951. He went on to earn degrees in economics, business, and education from Concordia College and graduated in 1955. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as part of the occupation forces in Korea from 1955 to 1957.

It was at Concordia where Art met the love of his life, Mary Ellen George. They married on August 4, 1957, in Billings, Montana, and shared 68 wonderful years together.

Art joined his father at Diercks Printing Company Inc. in Moorhead in 1957, where they were a remarkable team. As the company grew, Diercks Printing built and moved into a new building at 111 South 7th Street. He and Mary Ellen owned and operated the company together for 41 years.

Art was a devoted father to Dwight, Carolyn, and Maren. His children were a source of great pride, and he was a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and love. He cherished time with his grandchildren—Berit, Mikaela, Tate, Ian, and Avery. He loved traveling to Denver to cheer them on at their many sporting events and celebrating their accomplishments. His thoughtful letters, often accompanied by newspaper clippings, comics and a $10 bill, were treasured by all of his grandchildren.

Art had a deep love for history, especially World War II, which inspired his Victory Garden during his retirement years. He took great joy in growing tomatoes, making almond roca candy, and baking his famous “Christmas bread.” He always looked forward to meeting his friends for coffee. Art and Mary Ellen enjoyed their trips to Europe and family ski vacations in Montana and Minnesota. Summers were spent at the family cabin on Round Lake where he enjoyed water skiing and making cherished memories with Mary Ellen, his children and grandchildren. Picking strawberries and raspberries with family was always a highlight, along with measuring the many cups of sugar for the jam that followed.

Art was a loving husband, caring and supportive father, and generous friend. He served on numerous committees at Trinity Lutheran Church and was an active member of Rotary. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, listening ear, and steady guidance.

Arthur is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ellen; daughters Carolyn (Kevin) and Maren (Paul); and five grandchildren: Berit (Laura), Mikaela (Jimmy), Tate (Nick), Ian, and Avery. He was preceded in death by his son, Dwight (Beth) Arthur Diercks.

A celebration of Art’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on August 8 at 1:00 PM, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.

Final resting place will be in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

We cherish your memory and celebrate your life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Concordia College, or the Alzheimer’s Association.