Obituary of Donald Dirks

Donald F. Dirks, the son of Virgil and Beulah (Hons) Dirks, was born on May 26, 1937, in Hartley, IA. His childhood years were spent on a farm north of Hartley. He attended the local schools, graduating from Hartley High School in 1955. He then attended Barber School in Sioux City. On June 9, 1963, Don was united in marriage to Janna Dodge at the Methodist Church in Hartley. Following the marriage, the couple made their home in Storm Lake, where Don operated his barbershop. Their daughter, Marce, was born in Storm Lake. In 1969, the family moved to Spencer, where Don used his mechanical skills in a variety of jobs. He was very good working with his hands and loved fixing things and figuring out how to keep machines running. He liked using these skills to help his friends and neighbors. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing pool. He loved playing cards and joking around with friends and family. He always loved “the farm” and enjoyed going to the fair to see the farming equipment, especially the antique tractors. He loved being outdoors, camping and traveling to see the natural wonders of the United States. Don loved being a father and was a very devoted parent. He taught his daughter all the important skills in life like riding a bike, how to swing a bat, how to change a tire, how to drive a car and minor home repairs. He shared his love of sports with her. When his daughter got married, Don gained a "son" and shared his skills working together on many projects. Don loved spoiling his grandchildren--taking them for rides in the wagon behind the garden tractor, teaching them to fish, reading with them and giving them special treats and stickers. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer. Following a hard-fought battle with cancer, Don passed away at the Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer, IA, on Monday, August 8, 2011, at the age of 74. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 48 years, Janna, of Spencer, IA; a daughter, Marce and her husband, Gene Wagner, of Sioux City, IA; two grandchildren, Sarah and Daniel; a sister, Jan Fiala of Fort Dodge, IA; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents A Celebration of Life Donald F. Dirks Born ~ May 26, 1937 Died ~ August 8, 2011 Age ~ 74 years 2 months 12 days Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2011 Hartley Funeral Home Chapel Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Thomas A. Connors Organist ~ Donna Ahlers Special Music Soloist ~ Gene Wagner “How Great Thou Art” Congregational Singing “This Is My Fathers World” “Hymn of Promise’ Inurnment Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa 9:30 a.m. prior to the memorial service