DIRKS, Donald D. 1923-2013

DIRKS, ANDERSEN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/19/2015 at 07:10:14

Donald Dwight Dirks, 89, of Reinbeck, Iowa, died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Reinbeck, Iowa. A committal service will follow at Reinbeck Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Reinbeck American Legion Action Post #242. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2013 at the French-Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck, with a Masonic service conducted by the Masonic Coin Lodge #394 at 6:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Don was born on July 8, 1923 on the family farm in Tama County, Iowa; the son of Albert and Minnie Dirks. Don graduated from Reinbeck High School with the class of 1941. He went on to earn his Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Iowa. Don served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a First Lieutenant and pilot of a B-17 bomber. Upon his honorable discharge, Don returned to Iowa and was united in marriage to Beth Andersen on June 16, 1946 at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Reinbeck. Together they welcomed three sons into their family.

Don worked with his father on the family farm, in auctioneering and residential real-estate. Don also operated his own business, Dirks Real-Estate and Insurance which was located on Main Street in Reinbeck.

Don was a life-long member of the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Reinbeck, where he was a Sunday school teacher for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion Action Post #242, the Masons, the Shriners, and the 40 & 8.

Don enjoyed collecting antiques, dancing, golfing and reading. Don loved traveling with his family and wintering in Arizona with his wife and all of their friends. Don was especially honored to be a part of the August 19, 2010 Honor Flight. Don enjoyed people, but his true joy in life came from spending time with his friends and family.

Don is survived by his wife Beth, his sons David (Jane) Dirks, Douglas (Connie) Dirks and Dick Dirks (Mona Danner); his grandchildren Ryan (Nicole) Dirks, Cassie (Nick) Zumwalt, Devin, Emily, Austin, Nate and Caden Dirks; and great-grandchildren Noah, Logan, Ashtyn and Aiden.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

--Abels Funeral Homes (www.abelsfuneralhomes.com)