H. Keith Dirks

H. Keith Dirks

Center Junction

H. Keith Dirks passed away on November 2 at St. Luke’s Hospital with his family by his side.

Keith was born on April 15th, 1937 to LeRoy and Maurine (Stingley) Dirks. Keith attended Scotch Grove No. 8 Country School, Center Junction, graduated from Monticello High School in 1955. He attended Coe College for a time.

He married JoAnn Benischek on July 14, 1957. Keith and Joann were the closest of life partners for 66 years. To this union were born two sons, Kim and Kurt.

Keith found his calling in farming. He took over the family farm in 1961 after his father’s death. He farmed for over 50 years with his wife and partner, JoAnn.

Keith was proud of the family farm of which he stewarded, owning a Century Farm (1892), and a Heritage Farm (1851). He loved the land, always improving it, so he could pass it onto future generations. Keith was a progressive farmer, including being one of the first in the area to plant soybeans. He was known for keeping his land, buildings, and equipment in top shape.

He has been a member of the Scotch Grove, Center Junction Presbyterian Church, and the Olin Lutheran Church. He was a trustee at the Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church, and was a resident advocate on the Care Review Board for the Jones County Care Center (Edinburgh Manor) for 32 years. He was a member of the Scotch Grove Comm- ASCS Committee in earlier years.

Keith’s family were the most important thing to him. Surviving him are his wife, JoAnn and his brothers, John Bradford (Lynda) Dirks of Cedar Rapids and William (Linden) Dirks, Florida. He is also survived by his two sons, Kim (Karen) Dirks, of Sioux City, IA and Kurt (Tausha) Dirks, of St. Louis, MO. He had four grandchildren, Allison, Andrew, Davis, and Katie Dirks, one great grandson, Emmet, and several nieces and nephews. Proceeding him in death are his parents LeRoy and Maurine Dirks and his brother Kermit.

The family will host a greeting from 9:30-11:00 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Olin on Monday, November 6. The church service will follow. After the service, Keith will be buried at the North Madison Pioneers Cemetery, near Center Junction. The family will host a luncheon following the internment.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa, or to Keith’s family to be given to a charity of his choice.

Cards of condolences can be sent in H. Keith Dirks memory, to Dawson Funeral Services; PO Box 258 Wyoming, IA 52362.