Kenneth James Dricks

Kenneth James Dricks

Olin

Kenneth "Kenny" James Dircks, 86, of Olin, died on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha surrounded by family and embraced in warmth.

A visitation will be held from 6 – 8 pm, Thursday January 8, 2026, at Dawson Funeral Home in Olin and 9-10 am on Friday January 9 at St. John’s Lutheran Church prior to the funeral services held at 10 am. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held after the burial service where friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and honor a life well-lived. Kenny will be laid to rest in Olin Cemetery.

Kenneth James Dircks was born on April 10, 1939, the oldest son of Diedrich "Dick" Dircks and Johanna E. (Tieken) Dircks. As a child Kenny enjoyed playing baseball and basketball even though he “wasn’t very good.” He attended Olin schools, where he enjoyed being a member of FFA, and graduated from Olin High School in 1957. Kenny spent his life working on the family farm located just southwest of Olin Corners. Most recently, he resided in Onslow with his Stepdaughter Patty.

On October 9, 2004, Kenny united in marriage to AnnaMay (Rathbun) Dirks. They had ten wonderful years together before Anna passed on November 23, 2014. In this marriage, Kenny inherited ten stepchildren who dearly loved him. They enjoyed coming out to the farm, taking him places and dragging him into their rambunctious lives.

Kenny enjoyed listening to polka music, going for rides in the park, finding treasures at auctions, garage sales and thrift stores, tractor pulls, Special Olympics events, being taken on adventures and family get-togethers.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, his wife AnnaMay, infant sister Lucille Dircks, Stepson Alfred Lee Dirks, brothers-in-law John Kemp and Gene Lloyd, and his beloved Boston Terrier, Charlie.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are sisters Elissa “Liz” Kemp, Cedar Rapids and Rose Lloyd, Washington, brother, David (Phyllis) Dircks, Olin, stepchildren Janet Lemmer, Marilyn “Kay” (Dennis) Countryman, Jerry Willcoxson, Becky (Dave) Haugsted, James (Kathy) Dirks, Byron “Barney” (Joan) Dirks, Frank (Theresa) Dirks, Greg (Jennifer) Dirks, Patricia (Chris) Carey and Melinda (Kevin) Carter and many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the wonderful memories we have of Kenny’s fun-loving, generous and gentle soul.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations be sent to the Wyoming Methodist Community Food Pantry, 107 N. Washington Street, Wyoming, IA, 52362, a reflection of their kind service to Kenny & Anna for so many years.