William “Bill” F. Diercks, former Antigo resident, died at Atrium Post Acute Care Center of Stevens Point on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. He was 86 years old.

He was born August 28, 1929 in Antigo, son of the late Ben and Margaret (McMillan) Diercks. He married Phyllis Jicha on January 3, 1951 at First Congregational Church in Antigo.

Bill graduated from Antigo High School with the class of 1947, and attended UW-La Crosse. He served in the US Army National Guard. He was a potato grower for 45 years, and later worked as manager of the raw material division of Basic American Foods.

He was a lifelong member of the Elks Club. He was an avid sports fan, always supporting the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Antigo Red Robins.

Survivors include a daughter, Mary (Mark) Menzel of Hartland; 2 sons, Michael (Carol) Diercks of Coloma, and John (Sara) Diercks of Scottsdale, AZ; 6 grandchildren, Michelle (Joel) Johnson of Adams-Friendship, Barbie (Paul) Gransee of Adams-Friendship, Michael (Emily) Menzel of De Pere, Matthew (Sheena) Menzel of Waukesha, Marcus Menzel of Grafton, and Abby Diercks of Scottsdale, AZ; and 10 great-grandchildren, Dalton, Molly, Gwen, Beau, Diercks, Logan, Kaylee, Dawson, Sullivan, and Sawyer.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marge Gamble; and 3 brothers, Bob Diercks, Jack Diercks, and Don Diercks.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 8 at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Wes Jedras officiating. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name may be directed to Heartland Hospice Care, 3233 Business Park Dr., Stevens Point, WI 54482. Friends may visit online at www.strasserrollerfh.com.