David Alan Dierks

DAVID ALAN DIERKS of Maple Valley, WA, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 74 years, always young at heart. He was born on November 20, 1947 in San Diego, CA, U.S. Naval Hospital, growing up on the Naval Base housing as his father was a Navy Chaplain.

He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Joshua Alan Dierks, his father, William Theodore Dierks, mother, Doris Rosalie Dierks and his identical twin brother, Daniel Richard Dierks. He is survived by his dedicated wife and first love, Linda Marie Dierks, son, Aaron R. Dierks and daughter, Becky M. Plymale, grandchildren Cailynn Dierks, Carter Plymale, Leighton Plymale and Ethan Plymale and his sister, Gretchen Marie Oines, of Wisconsin.

Dave graduated from Mercer Island High School in 1966 and went on to the University of Washington, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in the 5-yr. program. He worked as a commercial architect since 1972 in commercial medical & dental buildings, surgery centers and hospitals. He continued working from home on smaller projects as David Alan Dierks, Architect, PLLC, until his passing.

He was actively involved as a member of Peace Lutheran Church. David designed and built the Altar furniture with two other members and great friends, Roger and Jack, along with many other woodworking projects at Peace. He was also a member at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Mercer Island for 48 years, where he married Linda in 1973.

Dave was a gentle soul, easy going with a brilliant sense of humor and a quick wit, always having a comeback, always funny. He fell in love with Linda when he first saw her at age 14 years at a high school football game. He always said the Lord chose her for him. Family and faith were of utmost importance especially the time spent with his children and grandchildren, playing and rough housing, and swinging on the hammock together. Dave was always a kid at heart so all of that was easy for him.

Always young at heart, he was full of love for his friends, especially those he worshipped with at church and others he met and became friends with along the way of life’s path. David had a humble heart and loved his Lord and Savior, a committed servant to God his entire life. Before his passing he was reaching up his hand to Jesus in readiness to be taken to Heaven. His favorite hymn was “Go My Children, With My Blessing”. He loved attending the traditional service with Linda, always singing Liturgy and hymns but also enjoyed playing his guitar and Dan’s banjo in the Contemporary Band.

David will be buried alongside his son, Josh, at Sunset Hills Cemetery on September 23, 2022, located in the Prayer Garden. Dave was a self-made man of many talents, including his passion for designing, woodworking, building, drawing and music, both singing in choir, hand bell choir and playing his instruments. He was an Eagle Scout and dedicated Scout Master. He loved cycling, canoeing and also mountain climbing with Peace members at Mt. Adams, Mt. Baker and his most favorite, Mt Rainier. His mountaineering friends will memorialize him on a mountain climb on a future trek. Dave was gifted with brilliance yet quietness in the full life that he led. Most of all, he loved you all.

The family would like to thank Pastor Arthur Werzner, Chaplain at Lutheran Ministries Services, NW, for the care and compassion with prayers he spoke with David and Linda in his final days. Also, many thanks to Pastor Ted Werfelmann of Peace Lutheran for leading our Peace family in prayers for healing and attending to the Dierks family spiritual needs

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dave’s honor to Peace Lutheran Church with a notation for the newly formed “Hand Bell Choir”.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial of Life Service at Peace Lutheran Church, on October 1, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. Visitation with the family will begin after the service at a luncheon in the Event Hall.