Dirks, Gerald W.

Gerald W. Dirks, 81, of Monticello, died peacefully Monday, June 27, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held 10:30 Friday morning, July 1, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, with interment in Wayne Zion Cemetery, with Military Honors. The Rev. Ellery Dykeman will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

Surviving are his wife, Betty; four children, Kevin (Michele) of Shawnee, Kan., Karen (Gary) Nelson of Mount Vernon, Kraig (Gina) and Keith (Cheryl), both of Monticello; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Merle (Etta) and Loren (Barb), both of Monticello; and a sister-in-law, Judi Dirks of Marion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Eldon.

Gerald Wilken Dirks was born March 15, 1930, in Wayne Township, Jones County, Iowa, the son of August and Loretta (Wilken) Dirks. He received his early education in the rural schools of Wayne Township. Gerald graduated from the Monticello Community Schools with the class of 1948. Gerald farmed until he joined the United States Army during the Korean War. Gerald W. Dirks and Betty Lou Barnes were married Dec. 24, 1952, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. The couple farmed for a brief time in Castle Grove Township before returning to farm in Wayne Township. Gerald retired from active farming in 1990 and the couple moved to Monticello in 1998. Gerald drove a school bus for 26 years and kept busy in farm-related work, driving for CPS and assisting with planting and harvesting for Carl and Richard Wolken.

Gerald was a life long member of Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, where he was baptized on April 13, 1930, and confirmed his faith on May 28, 1944.

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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, Above and Beyond Hospice or a charity of choice.