Both families were descendants from the original settlers who arrived with Prinz Solms in 1845. The German language and culture were an integral part of everyday living in their home, as well as in his grandparents’ homes.

William was an only child who was reared on the family ranch in the Bergheim community and, as an adult, resided in New Braunfels. There he settled into a quiet pattern of living alone. He never married.

William possessed an innate penchant for, and had a profound appreciation of, the finer things in life, especially music. His course of study emphasized the pipe organ.

After graduating from high school in 1966, his formal education continued at San Antonio College, completing his associate’s degree in 1968. From there he attended Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, graduating in 1971, receiving a bachelor’s degree in music and from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth in 1976, earning a masters’ degree in church music.

He utilized his degrees by assuming the position of associate organist at the First Protestant Church and ministering to the bereaved by being

Oct. 4, 1947 — April 9, 2024

Dierks

organist at the Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home. With a deep and abiding personal faith, he was a life-long member of the First Protestant Church, as his previous five generations had been, including an ancestor who was a charter member in 1845.

William’s values, instilled by his parents, continued to serve as an uncompromising guiding force in his daily conduct, which remained steadfast throughout his entire life.

In his later years as various health issues arose, and at the encouragement of Mitchell Liesmann, he moved close to Johnson City where he could live nearby. There he designed and built for himself a unique Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home.

Thus, his life made a full circle and he returned to his childhood Hill Country roots.

In death he leaves no survivors except one beloved distant cousin and devoted friend, Mitchell D. Liesmann and his wife, Holly, who reside near Johnson City, Texas.

A private visitation and service was held followed by a private burial at Comal Cemetery next to his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harold, Eleanor and William Dierks Charitable Gifting Trust, P.O. Box 82, Johnson City, Texas 78636, or any charity of one’s choice.

Written by William Frederick Dierks. Please sign the guestbook at: www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome. com.