José was born on April 6, 1924, in Marshall, to Alois and Adele (VanHuffel) VanOverbeke. She graduated from Marshall High School and then attended one year of College at St. Theresaâs in Winona. About this time, José met First Lt. Roy Dierickx at the Blue Moon Ballroom. The couple was married on November 26, 1946, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. They farmed Northeast of Ghent until 1960 when the family moved to Arvada, Colorado. In 1962, they moved to Marshall where they remained their entire lives. José worked as an accountant. She started her career by working for Lee Hoffman and finished her career at Southwest Minnesota State University. Her faith and her family were truly her foundation. José also loved to sing. She sang at many occasions including family functions and was the Choir Director for Holy Redeemer Catholic Church for 35 years. She was a member of Catholic Daughters and the American Legion Auxiliary. On Saturday, June 16, after a courageous battle with cancer, fought on her own terms, José died at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband, Roy, of Marshall, children Charlene Kramer of Canton, MI, Virginia (and Tim) Brown of Sioux Falls, SD, Tony Dierickx of Marshall, MarY Jo Dierickx of Walnut Creek, CA, Jim (and Julie) Dierickx of Overland Park, KS, Bob (and Denise) Dierickx of Brandon, SD, 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, brother Robert VanOverbeke and sister Clara Hess, both of Marshall, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one sister.
Memorials preferred to Prairie Home Hospice.