Erik M. Dieken, 48, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on December 6, 2025, following a medical emergency. Erik was born in Seattle, Washington, to Gene and Patricia Dieken. He was the oldest of four children.

Erik graduated from Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington, in 1996, and then attended Edmonds College. He loved working with children, and worked for many years as a day care teacher and administrator. In 2014 he met Tanna Shoyo and they were married on May 20, 2015. Erik was a doting husband and during their 10 years of marriage, they did nearly everything together. They most treasured caring for their beloved dog, Stevie. In 2021 Erik and Tanna set off for a new chapter and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Erik was a sports fan and also enjoyed working for the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle Sounders, and then the Nebraska Cornhuskers, where he and Tanna both worked for the teams during their respective seasons.

Erik will be remembered for his cheerful and positive spirit. He worked hard and persevered through difficulties. He easily found the humor in a situation and laughed loud and often. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Erik is survived by his loving wife, Tanna Dieken; his mother, Patricia Dieken, of Phoenix, AZ; his brothers Bud Dieken (Kayla) of Seattle, WA and Alexander Dieken, of Phoenix, AZ; his sister Katherine Dieken (Chris) of New York, NY, and his nephew Patrick. Erik is also survived by his aunt Barbara Murphy, of Seattle, WA, and his uncle William Murphy (Linda) of Clayton, NY.

Erik was preceded in death by his father, his grandparents, and his uncles Richard Murphy and Roger Dieken.

Erik had a very big heart for children.  His favorite charity was the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Seattle, WA in 2026.