Erwin H. Tiarks, 87, Cissna Park, IL

Erwin H. Tiarks, 87, of Cissna Park, IL passed away on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 at Carle Foundation Hospital In Urbana, IL.

Visitation will run from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove. Rev. Kevin Wendorf will officiate. Interment will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Ash Grove. Military rites will be accorded by the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527.

Mr. Tiarks was born Feb. 12, 1922 in Artesia Twp., IL, a son of Frederick and Freida Koester Tiarks. He married Dorene L. Wagner on July 2, 1949 in Bloomington and she survives.

Other survivors of Mr. Tiarks include one son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Marilyn Tiarks of Onarga; two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Jim Buhrmester of Milford and Peggy and Kevin Lucht of Lexington; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Elmer and Nimerva Tiarks of Cissna Park and, Elwin (his twin) and Jeanette Tiarks of Decatur; two sisters, Bernice Zabel of Danforth and Arvella McManis of Watseka; thirteen grandchildren an twelve great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one daughter, Bonnie Meyer.

Mr. Tiarks was a farmer and had worked for the Illinois Dept. of Transportation. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ash Grove; the Cissna Park American Legion Post #527 and St. John’s Lutheran Church Men’s Club. He was an avid card player and also enjoyed dart ball, bowling and horse shoes.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Our Savior Lutheran Church Radio Ministry or Iroquois County Relay for Life.

Please sign the guest book at knappfuneralhomes.com.