Donald Dirks

 Donald E Dirks 89, Sterling died peacefully at Resthave Nursing Home Monday, October 21, 2024

 Born to Lester and Florence (Onken) Dirks in Hopkins Township, Whiteside County on July 2, 1935.

 Don attended Woodside, Galt, SHS and Sauk Valley College. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Sterling. 

 He joined the Navy in 1955 and served on the USS BOYD in the Pacific.

 Don grew up on the dairy farm milking cows in the barn that is now at K’s Korners. Don married Leona Kurk on February 16, 1958 at the First Congregational Church,Sterling. They first met when participating in 4-H activities while in high school. Don has been an active member of FCC for 70 years. He was recognized as a Good and Faithful Servant.

 They raised five children while working as dairy farmers in Lee and Whiteside Counties for 17 years. Don worked 27 years at Illinois Forge and looked forward to the monthly retirement breakfasts, where he enjoyed reconnecting with former coworkers.

 Surviving are his wife Leona, children: Gary (deceased) (Linda) Dirks, Prophetstown, John (Angel) Dirks, Chapmansboro, TN, Juli (Billy) Oswald Stirling, Scotland, David (Rebecca) Dirks, Clarksville TN, Chris (Greg) Gallentine Sterling, IL.

 He cherished every moment spent with his family, reveling in activities like fishing, deer hunting outings, and attending sporting events, 4-H, and musical performances for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His gardening talents blessed many neighbors, family and friends with an abundance of apples and a variety of vegetables. Known for sharing Tootsie Rolls and Lifesavers, especially at church, he brought smiles to those around him. Together with Leona, he traveled extensively, visiting their daughter Juli and exploring various countries and states.

 Grandchildren: Bart (Meagan) Dirks, Jay (Staci) Dirks, Courtney (Marcus) Sleaford, Nicholas (Elizabeth) Dirks, Lacey (Kevin) Fee, Taylor Dirks, Fiona (James) Coppell, Victor (Hannah) Salinas, Chad (Nina) Dirks, Amanda (Matthew) Osborne, Lucas (Devyn) Dirks, Zoe Dirks, Ross Gallentine, and Josie Gallentine

 Great-grandchildren: Peyson & Kylie Dirks; Wren & Briar Dirks; Henley Sleaford; Porter & Myles Dirks; Luke & Emma Fee; Henry & Tabitha Coppell; Isabella Salinas; Ty (Joseph) Kingrose; Matthew & Jon Dirks; Gracie & Brantley Osborne; and Ruth Dirks.

 Nephews: Kurt Harper and Steve Dirks Niece: Barb Dirks Pierson

 He was preceded in death by his son, Gary Dirks, brother, Kenneth(Helen) Dirks, sister, Jean (James) Harper, sister-in-law, Dora Jane (Claude) Kurk-Nugent, nephew, Kim Harper and niece, Karla Harper

 Visitation and Funeral Services will be at The Big Red Church - First Congregational Church 311 2nd Ave. Sterling IL. Visitation Friday November 1st from 4-7, Funeral 11am Saturday November 2nd prior to funeral there will be a visitation from 10-11. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to 1st Congregational Church, Whiteside County Education Conservation Foundation and St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.