Gary Roger Dierking

Gary Roger Dierking age 88, passed away on April 8, 2024 in Council Grove, Kansas.  Gary was born on December 11, 1935 in Alta Vista, Kansas, the only child of Donald D. and Erma J. (Speer) Dierking.   

Gary spent his childhood in Alta Vista and began working in the Dierking Motor Company at an early age.  He graduated from Alta Vista High School with the class of 1954. 

Gary was a gifted artist at an early age and his sketches covered any scrap of paper or school textbook that his hands touched.   After high school Gary attended the University of Kansas, survived a residency in “Old Oread Hall” and graduated with Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1958.  After six years in the Army Reserves and various commercial advertising jobs in Topeka, Kansas, Gary moved to Manhattan, Kansas where he was a publications artist for the Cooperative Extension at Kansas State University and later the curator of the First Territorial Capitol State Historic Site in Fort Riley, Kansas.   

Throughout Gary’s life art remained his passion.  He was known for his miniature ink and watercolor paintings, often with the subject being Kansas landscapes.  For over 4 decades he was a fixture at the National Festival of Craftsmen at Silver Dollar City Missouri and in 1974 was named “Creative Kansan” by KANSAS magazine.  Gary’s paintings are in private collections across the nation and in several countries. 

In addition to art Gary enjoyed history and collecting everything related to it.  He was particularly knowledgeable of American Western History and firearms.  

For the last 3 years, Gary resided at the Council Grove Assisted Living where he enjoyed getting reacquainted with old friends, making new friends, and attending family gatherings.  

Gary is survived by his two children. Karla (Kevin) Effland and Troy (Anne) Dierking.  Five grandsons:  Korby (Mary) Effland, Kelly (Callie) Effland, Kaleb (Erica) Effland, Cole (Lacy) Dierking, and Connor Dierking and Nine great-grandchildren Ian, Nolan, Sheldon, Norah, Ensley, Quinn, Erin, Pierce, and Piper.  

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be made to The Council Grove Assisted Living or Manhattan Arts Center Inc in care of Sawyer Chapel 137 N Union St. Council Grove, KS 66846.