Dorothy Dirks

Dorothy “Dot” Louise Dirks, 96, of Marshalltown, passed away peacefully at Bickford Cottages while in care of Iowa River Hospice.

A family led celebration will be announced in the near future. She will be laid to rest in Hillsboro, Illinois. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for cremation arrangements.

Born on November 24th, 1929, in Hillsboro, IL, she was the daughter of Glen and Bertha Melvina (Vogel) Beckham Kessler. Four days before Christmas, on December 21st, 1951, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Harold Dirks. Harold’s career took them around the Midwest, landing in Marshalltown in 1970.

Dorothy was a devoted mother to five children, as well as a loving grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She wore many hats throughout her life, including Room Mother at her childrens’ school, Den Mother to the Cub Scout Troops, euchre player, and league bowler. In retirement, she and Harold enjoyed spending winters in Texas for nine years.

Left to cherish Dorothy’s memory is her husband of 74 years, Harold, of Marshalltown; children Roger A. Dirks, of Marshalltown, Gregory (Susan) L. Dirks, of Iowa City, Thomas D. Dirks, of Mingo, Daniel (Meredith) J. Dirks, of Iowa City; grandchildren April Dirks, Monica Dirks, Eric Dirks, Christopher (Brittany) Dirks, Amanda (Travis) Bloomquist, Aaron (Becca) Dirks, Emily Dirks, Sarah Dirks, and Lily Dirks; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her daughter Pamela; parents Glen and Bertha; step-father Elmer Kessler; sisters Doris Herman and Lois Todt; and daughter-in-law Carla Brimson.