Isabelle Dierkens

Izzy was born on March 5, 1930, in Iron Mountain, the daughter of the late Ettore and Delmerroe (Carponetti) Bongi and was raised in a vibrant Italian family with her three brothers and four sisters.

Izzy graduated from Iron Mountain High School.

She married Julius Dierkens of Sept. 25, 1948, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Iron Mountain and together they had three children.

Izzy enjoyed sitting on her patio in the summer, looking at her flowers, maple tree and pond. She enjoyed walks with her daughter Nettie, to Ed’s Market and visiting with her neighborhood friends. She was a faithful Catholic, doing her novenas daily. She never met a stranger and was loved by all who met her.

Izzy’s love showed through her big smile and her command of the kitchen. She was a proud baker, making her famous bars to show her gratitude for all in her proximity; the mailman, city workers, friends, family and anyone that she thought needed a bar or two.

For years, Saturday was Soup Day, Sunday was set aside for Chicken and Spaghetti; all of the family would cram into Jul’s and Izzy’s tiny home and enjoy her homemade meals. It was loud and crowded, but that tiny space was filled with so many memories.

She was a staple in her community and will be missed by all. You rest now “our Izzy,” we love you forever.

Izzy leaves her daughter Ann Marie (Mike) Muraro of Norway; daughter-in-law Maryann (Chuck) Clark of Vulcan; grandsons Dean (Gina) Moraska of Vulcan, Edward (Michelle) Dierkens of New Port News, Va., and Jeff (Michelle) Muraro of Norway; granddaughters Melissa Spade (Dan Lindsley) of Vulcan, Shelly (Scott) Ray of Norway, Nikki (Jeremy) Pipp of Vulcan, and Debbie (Jason) Bargland of Vulcan; great-grandchildren Austin (Lui), Logan, Wyatt, Cadeance, Gabrielle, Alex, Chase, Marisa, Sawyer, Amanda (Billy), Isaac, Dante, Adrian, Jack and Dominic; great-great-grandchildren, Emma, Burklee, Nova, Presley and Rayne; many nieces and nephews; and her many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Julius, her six siblings; son Edward Dierkens; daughter, Annette Dierkens; and her son-in-law, Ken Moraska.

Graveside services will be held at the Norway Township Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences to the family of Izzy may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.