Linda Dierking

Linda Dierking, 74, of Storm Lake died Sept. 16, 2026, at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake surrounded by the love of her family.

Memorial Mass will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 25, from 4-6 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

In lieu of flowers, Linda would have loved for donations to be made to the Preschool Learning Spaces Memorial Fund where funds will go toward the beautiful spaces being built for the next generation of learners in the Storm Lake community at the Early Elementary School. Checks can be made to Storm Lake Community School with Preschool Learning Spaces Memorial Fund on the memo line and mailed to: Storm Lake Community School District Business Office, 824 Flindt Dr., Storm Lake, IA 50588. Or Venmo @Erika-Dierking-2 for Preschool Learning Spaces Memorial Fund.

Linda Dianne Townsend was born Aug. 6, 1952, to Lloyd and Loretta (Zembsch) Townsend in Cherokee. She attended school in Cherokee, graduating in 1970. Linda went on to attend the University of Iowa and Buena Vista University, graduating in 1974 with a degree in education.

On July 22, 1972, Linda was united in marriage to Rod Dierking in Cherokee. Together they made their home in Storm Lake and were blessed with three children: Jason, Kara and Nate. Linda and Rod built a life centered around their family, wonderful friends and the Storm Lake community and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake.

Linda impacted the lives of many children in the Storm Lake community. Education was more than a career for Linda, it was a passion that helped establish Kinderschool in Storm Lake and she later worked for Upper Des Moines as a teacher and administrator. After a career devoted to helping children learn and grow, she retired in 2016.

In her free time, Linda enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends. One of her favorite places was the family cabin at Spar City in Colorado. Her happiest days were spent on the lake, at the cabin watching beautiful sunsets, jeeping, relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. Linda’s greatest joy was her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Linda is survived by her husband Rod Dierking of Storm Lake; children: Jason (Erika) Dierking of Storm Lake; Kara (Larry) Pearson of Tempe, Ariz.; Nate (Lindsey) Dierking of Marietta, Ga.; grandchildren: Emma and Cooper Dierking of Storm Lake; Tyler and Kaitlyn Pearson of Tempe, Ariz.; Layla, Jack and Max Dierking of Marietta, Ga.; granddogs: Pearl, Hazel, Daisy, Rosie, Penny and Harley; extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Loretta and Lloyd Townsend; and siblings: Ronnie Townsend, Joan Peters, and Jeanine Schroder.

Linda will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her lifelong commitment to children and education, and the many friendships she built throughout her life. Most of all she will be remembered as a loving wife, mom and grandma whose greatest happiness came from being surrounded by the people she loved.