Lawrence "Bird" Edward Dierkens

Lawrence Edward Dierkens “Bird” won his eternal victory February 28, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He died peacefully at the Tidewell Hospice House in Florida. Due to unforeseen circumstances a funeral was not held. A lifelong resident of Ohio, he also spent time with his wife, Karen in Florida during the winter months.

He was born in Wauseon, Ohio and grew up in Metamora. On November 11, 1972, he married Karen Finn, raised four children and made a life for himself and his family in Delta. Bird adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

Bird was in the first graduating class of Evergreen High School, 1968. He went to electronics school in Akron and began his career at the Chevrolet plant in Toledo. He earned his journeyman’s card as an electrician and retired after 36 years of service. Bird was a hard worker, a good steward and a good provider.

Though a very quiet man, Bird stood by his beliefs and was active at St. Caspar in Wauseon, where he was Parish Council President and a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus. He devoted many hours volunteering at events in the Fulton County community. He was a handyman, very precise in caring for his home, and always helping others.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Karen, and their four children: Jacob (Polly) Dierkens, Dana (Jacob) Snyder, Lindsay Smallman, Christopher (Stephanie) Dierkens. Those who called him “Papa” included Audrey and Jack Dierkens; Landon and Jacob Snyder; Cole, Levi and Brielle Smallman; Maggie and Ellie Sugg; as well as godchildren, Victoria and Deon. Also surviving are his sisters, Brinda (Michael) Miller and Patty (Rick) Blair; and brothers Tom and George (Kara), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Viola and brother, Ken.

Burial will be at a later date at Holy Cross Church in Palmetto, Florida, in the Garden of Peace. Donations can be made to the St. Caspar chapter of the KOFC, to unbound.org (sponsor/ empower a child living in poverty) or Relay for Life Fulton County.

Memories can be posted at www.dignitymemorial.com. Brief clips would be welcomed for his memorial video with [email protected] by August 15, 2020.