Michael Diercks

The journey for Michael W. Diercks of Nekoosa, WI ended peacefully at his home on September 26, 2025. He was 71 years old. He was born in Antigo, WI on September 2, 1954, the son of Margaret and Patrick H. Diercks.

While growing up in Antigo he attended St. Mary's grade school, played baseball for Polar Country Club, and worked on the family potato farm in Bryant, WI. He graduated from Antigo High School Class of 1972 and played in the band, was a member of the ski team, ran track and was a member of 2 highly successful Red Robin football teams. During the summers he would work on the potato farm during the day and run two miles every night – documenting the time for each run. After a brief rest he would run countless 40-yard dashes down the gravel driveway, until he was satisfied with his times, all recorded by his official timekeeper and tackling dummy while living on Highway 64– his younger brother.

After graduating from AHS Mike went on to the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where he played defensive back, was the holder for placekicker Bob Hoffman (from Antigo) and played alongside numerous other standpoint teammates from Antigo.

Mike began his lengthy professional career at Thorp Finance in northern Wisconsin where he specialized in collections, which he excelled at. He later traveled the State of Wisconsin while working for Wisconsin Credit Union Savings Insurance Corp. He concluded his career as the President of the Nekoosa Credit Union for 30+ years. He was proud of the success achieved by the staff and grateful to all the kind people he met over the years.

He is survived by his mother Margaret Diercks from Antigo, sister Anne Mary from St. Louis, brother Mark from New York, brother Pat (Karla) from Chicago, nephew Troy (Chris) from St. Louis, great niece Olivia, and Karla's son Tyler. Remarkably, he is survived by all 12 of his first cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Patrick H. Diercks.

Our family is at peace learning of the friendships Mike had nurtured while in Nekoosa and the love, support, and respect they unconditionally demonstrated during Mike's life and since his sudden passing. We will be forever grateful to the Subway Lady, the Subway Lady's husband, the Neighbor, the Guy from the Credit Union, Mach, and the infamous Bear. It is only fitting that his stable still has "A Horse With No Name" roaming the pastures. If you were a close friend of Mike, it's a good chance that he attended just as many of your children's sporting events as you did.

Mike ran his last 40, lifted the last weight, biked the final mile, made his last devastating tackle, closed one final loan, mowed the last pasture, and devoured his last rare king cut steak. Well done my friend – well done. May you rest in peace knowing the tremendous positive impact you had on so many lives; especially your little brother who admired you more than you would have ever known. Goodbye for now, we love you and we miss you.

In honor of Mike, we ask that you read "THE DASH," a poem by Linda Ellis, for reflection.

Out of respect for the family no services have been planned at this time.