Richard H. Dircks

DIRCKS, HENDRICKSON, HOWARD, LATHRUM, COURTNEY

Posted By: Skipton
Date: 9/26/2012 at 17:07:58

Richard (Dick) H. Dircks, 84, of 1102 E. Comptine #104, Knoxville, Iowa, passed away in Des Moines on September 16, 2012, of complications from pneumonia.

Dick was born on January 3, 1928 in Columbus Junction, Iowa, to Leo and Minnie (Hendrickson) Dircks. He graduated from Columbus Junction High School in 1945. He then served a short stint in the U.S. Navy at the ending of WWII. In 1946, Dick began a career with Iowa Telephone Company, which was later acquired by Contel Telephone Company (now Verizon).

On September 28, 1952, Dick married Genevieve (Jenny) Irene Howard in Aledo, Illinois, and the couple had four children. The family lived in New London and later settled in Knoxville.

Dick began a 40-year career with Iowa Telephone Company as a member of a construction crew. He advanced rapidly with the company and held various upper management positions in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas. In 1977, he was promoted to Vice President and State Manager of Contel in Kansas, and he held that position until he retired in 1986. Dick also served as Director of the New London State Bank, President of the Independent Telephone Association, and as a member of the Board of Directors for Henry County Hospital. He was also on the Boy Scout Council of Southeast Iowa, and he was a Shriner.

After retirement, Dick kept busy with hunting, fishing and golf. He loved football and crossword puzzles. He and Jenny were snowbirds. They cherished their winters in Arizona and their summers in Iowa. Most special to Dick though, was his family. He loved spending time with family and friends. He will always be remembered for his kind words and positive disposition.

Dick is survived by his wife, Jenny Dircks; four children and spouses, David Dircks and Donna, Robin Lathrum and Rick, Ellen Dircks, and Dana Courtney and Gerry; five grandchildren and spouses, Ryan Lathrum and Stephen, Lindsay Marsh and Mike, Emily Dedee and Paul, Jon Dircks, and Jarrod Dircks Strowig; three great-grandchildren, Ellie, Addie and Easton Dedee; and sister-in-law, Miriam Dircks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Minnie Dircks; and brother, Robert L. Dircks.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Dick on Sunday, September 30, 2012. Visitation is at 2 p.m. followed by a service at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 313 E. Montgomery Street, Knoxville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Knoxville Hospital.