Bob & Evelyn Dieringer Family Fund
Chopping and stacking firewood for the parish priest(s) or for the Holy Names Sisters as a way of paying tuition...
Cleaning the convent in exchange for piano lessons...
These are just two ways that started laying the foundation for Bob and Evelyn Dieringer's lifelong service to others and within the church.
Born in 1922, Bob (Dad) was one of 11 children, was raised in St. Ignatius Parish, and graduated from St. Ignatius School in 1936. Evelyn (Mom), born in 1927, had one older sister and was raised in St. Clare's Parish. Faith was THEcornerstone for both families. They lived through some lean times and they knew the value of work, no matter what kind happened to be available. They knew about sacrifice and suffering, and the reward(s) that can come from both, especially when done willingly for the benefit of another, and for love of God.
In 1933 my Grandfather and his brother traded a bit of land for a tiny grocery store on the corner of 45th and Woodstock. In 1939 Dad joined in the grocery business full time (dropping out of St. Steven's High School, but receiving his diploma at night school.) During W.W.II, Dad joined the US Navy and became one of the few people on an aircraft carrier that could NOT swim!
Mom grew up much more a "country girl" near the area of Multnomah Village. She was an excellent student and leader. She graduated from Saint Mary's Academy in 1945 and was Student body President. (She stayed in close touch with MANY classmates all through the years, getting together regularly and sharing in each others' joys and struggles.) Her father owned an auto body repair shop near The Cathedral. Mom loved going on trips with her father to pick up automobiles needing repair.
In 1947, after Dad was out of the Navy and back at work with his father in the grocery business, and after Mom had decided to NOTbecome a nun, they happened to meet at a parish dance. According to Dad, he knew the moment he saw Mom that she was the one for him. Though Dad wanted to accomplish many things before getting married, Mom melted his heart when she simply stated, as only Mom could, "Why can't we do them together?" They were united from the start, especially since they shared their faith and devotions so completely. Married within a year and then twelve children later, it was evident that they trusted in God and cherished life as a gift from God. In response to so many individual's amazement at the family size, Dad often shared that they were kid rich and that each and every one is/was treasured!
Through the years, Dad and Mom served on so, so many committees, boards, etc. Catholic education at all levels was of great importance, and much emphasis was also placed on the education of priests, for only a priest can bring God into the world through the Eucharist. School and/or parish "boundaries" meant nothing to them, and their help and support was far reaching, and included St. Ignatius Parish and School.
Their support and leadership was wonderful, but nothing was more important than the individual in front of them at any given moment: taking Holy Communion to the sick or home bound; taking the time to talk with a child--one of their own or someone else's. Always making room for a friend to join the family on an outing: skiing, skating, camping, etc. Always inviting priests or nuns to participate in family life and meals. Taking time to share with a co-worker the important things in life and/or to encourage them. Sponsoring people in the RCIA program. Taking a meal to someone in need. Mom was described by many St. Mary's classmates as being their leader: bringing them together and keeping them connected...and properly focused...in the gentlest ways...ever since her high school days. etc. Etc. ETC.!
Dad and Mom were leaders from the beginning. But not just leaders: they were servant leaders and led by example. They led by their constant, personal saying of "yes" to God. They loved people and always wanted the best for everyone. And what was "the best"? Dad and Mom shared the joy and love they experienced from living their faith...from knowing and loving God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and from knowing and loving Mary, the Blessed Mother, and the joy that comes from centering one's life on the faith. And to see the difference made in the life of so many others by them living their faith, is truly awesome.
Dad passed away in August 2007 surrounded by Mom and many of us kids. We were saying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary when he breathed his last and, we rejoiced for Dad as my one brother so aptly said, "Welcome Home, Dad!"
Last April Mom had a sudden heart attack. It was just two days after Easter and Mom had just shared with one of my sisters how lonely she was for Dad and how she just wasn't sure about making plans for the summer. So true to Mom's selflessness, as she lay in the hospital, Mom gave my sister instructions about making sure that the lady she picked up and brought to Mass regularly would be notified of her inability to pick her up the next day.
Death is part of life. But we live on! I ask myself, "How have I made a difference to another?" and "How have I brought God to another?" Dad and Mom are examples for all of us: they were like God's gardeners: always planting seeds, and trusting in God to do the rest. Thus it was a privilege to honor Dad and Mom's wishes after their passing to continue the support of Catholic education through a gift to the St. Ignatius School Foundation.
This article was written by Pat Dieringer in January 2010 for the Foundation newsletter.
Cleaning the convent in exchange for piano lessons...
These are just two ways that started laying the foundation for Bob and Evelyn Dieringer's lifelong service to others and within the church.
Born in 1922, Bob (Dad) was one of 11 children, was raised in St. Ignatius Parish, and graduated from St. Ignatius School in 1936. Evelyn (Mom), born in 1927, had one older sister and was raised in St. Clare's Parish. Faith was THEcornerstone for both families. They lived through some lean times and they knew the value of work, no matter what kind happened to be available. They knew about sacrifice and suffering, and the reward(s) that can come from both, especially when done willingly for the benefit of another, and for love of God.
In 1933 my Grandfather and his brother traded a bit of land for a tiny grocery store on the corner of 45th and Woodstock. In 1939 Dad joined in the grocery business full time (dropping out of St. Steven's High School, but receiving his diploma at night school.) During W.W.II, Dad joined the US Navy and became one of the few people on an aircraft carrier that could NOT swim!
Mom grew up much more a "country girl" near the area of Multnomah Village. She was an excellent student and leader. She graduated from Saint Mary's Academy in 1945 and was Student body President. (She stayed in close touch with MANY classmates all through the years, getting together regularly and sharing in each others' joys and struggles.) Her father owned an auto body repair shop near The Cathedral. Mom loved going on trips with her father to pick up automobiles needing repair.
In 1947, after Dad was out of the Navy and back at work with his father in the grocery business, and after Mom had decided to NOTbecome a nun, they happened to meet at a parish dance. According to Dad, he knew the moment he saw Mom that she was the one for him. Though Dad wanted to accomplish many things before getting married, Mom melted his heart when she simply stated, as only Mom could, "Why can't we do them together?" They were united from the start, especially since they shared their faith and devotions so completely. Married within a year and then twelve children later, it was evident that they trusted in God and cherished life as a gift from God. In response to so many individual's amazement at the family size, Dad often shared that they were kid rich and that each and every one is/was treasured!
Through the years, Dad and Mom served on so, so many committees, boards, etc. Catholic education at all levels was of great importance, and much emphasis was also placed on the education of priests, for only a priest can bring God into the world through the Eucharist. School and/or parish "boundaries" meant nothing to them, and their help and support was far reaching, and included St. Ignatius Parish and School.
Their support and leadership was wonderful, but nothing was more important than the individual in front of them at any given moment: taking Holy Communion to the sick or home bound; taking the time to talk with a child--one of their own or someone else's. Always making room for a friend to join the family on an outing: skiing, skating, camping, etc. Always inviting priests or nuns to participate in family life and meals. Taking time to share with a co-worker the important things in life and/or to encourage them. Sponsoring people in the RCIA program. Taking a meal to someone in need. Mom was described by many St. Mary's classmates as being their leader: bringing them together and keeping them connected...and properly focused...in the gentlest ways...ever since her high school days. etc. Etc. ETC.!
Dad and Mom were leaders from the beginning. But not just leaders: they were servant leaders and led by example. They led by their constant, personal saying of "yes" to God. They loved people and always wanted the best for everyone. And what was "the best"? Dad and Mom shared the joy and love they experienced from living their faith...from knowing and loving God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and from knowing and loving Mary, the Blessed Mother, and the joy that comes from centering one's life on the faith. And to see the difference made in the life of so many others by them living their faith, is truly awesome.
Dad passed away in August 2007 surrounded by Mom and many of us kids. We were saying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary when he breathed his last and, we rejoiced for Dad as my one brother so aptly said, "Welcome Home, Dad!"
Last April Mom had a sudden heart attack. It was just two days after Easter and Mom had just shared with one of my sisters how lonely she was for Dad and how she just wasn't sure about making plans for the summer. So true to Mom's selflessness, as she lay in the hospital, Mom gave my sister instructions about making sure that the lady she picked up and brought to Mass regularly would be notified of her inability to pick her up the next day.
Death is part of life. But we live on! I ask myself, "How have I made a difference to another?" and "How have I brought God to another?" Dad and Mom are examples for all of us: they were like God's gardeners: always planting seeds, and trusting in God to do the rest. Thus it was a privilege to honor Dad and Mom's wishes after their passing to continue the support of Catholic education through a gift to the St. Ignatius School Foundation.
This article was written by Pat Dieringer in January 2010 for the Foundation newsletter.