Dirks, Willis 'Willie' F.

Willis “Willie” F. Dirks, 83, of Hiawatha, formerly of Marion, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories in Cedar Rapids. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel. Burial will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Willis Frederick Dirks was born June 28, 1929, to John and Meta Husmann Dirks in Jones County, Iowa. Willie was united in marriage to Alberta “Bert” Lathrop on Jan. 16, 1960, in Iowa City. Willie was a proud lifelong member of Laborers Local 43. He appreciated every company he worked for and was very proud of the work he had done and shared many stories of the work he had done in the area. He was a very hard working man and it showed through his large hands.

Willie enjoyed being outdoors, playing Bingo and going to the casino, but most importantly spending time with his family.

He is survived by his nine children: Diane Kilburg and his loving son-in-law, Patrick, of Cedar Rapids; Debbie Mundorf (Joel Brokaw) of Martelle; Char (Jack Gillick) Wink of Marion; Judy (Jerry) Moyle of Arizona; Joe (Laura) Dickson of Des Moines; Mary Waddle of Oklahoma; John (Irene) Ford of Wisconsin; Cathy Dirks of Nebraska; and Sherry (Frank) Citro of California; daughter-in-law, Theresa Dickson; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a special grandson, Ryan Moyle; sister, Wilma (Dennis) Williams of Lisbon; and brother, Gary Dirks of Arizona.

Willie was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Alberta; parents; son, Robert Dickson; son-in-law, Richard Mundorf; brothers, Robert and Dwaine; and infant sister.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family or the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.

Please leave an online condolence for the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published April 15, 2013 in The Gazette