Richard Dircks Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard (Dick) H. Dircks, 84, of Knoxville, Iowa passed away in Des Moines on September, 16, 2012 from pneumonia and complications. Dick was born on January 3, 1928 in Columbus Junction, Iowa to Leo and Minnie (Hendrickson) Dircks. He graduated from Columbus Junction High School in 1945. He then served a short stint in the US Navy at the ending of WWII. In 1946 Dick began a career with Iowa Telephone Company which was later acquired by Contel Telephone Company (now Verizon). In 1952 Dick married Genevieve (Jenny) Irene Howard in Aledo, Illinois and the couple had four children. The family lived in New London and later settled in Knoxville. Dick began a 40-year career with Iowa Telephone Company as a member of a construction crew. He advanced rapidly with the company and held various upper management positions in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas. In l977 he was promoted to Vice President & State Manager of Contel of Kansas, and he held that position until he retired in 1986. Dick also served as Director of the New London State Bank, President of Independent Telephone Association and as a member of the Board of Directors for Henry County Hospital. He was also on the Boy Scout Council of Southeast Iowa, and he was a Shriner. After retirement Dick kept busy with hunting, fishing and golf. He loved football and crossword puzzles. He and Jenny were snowbirds. They cherished their winters in Arizona and their summers in Iowa. Most special to Dick though was his family. He loved spending time with family and friends. He will always be remembered for his kind words and positive disposition. Dick is survived by his wife Jenny Dircks; 4 children and spouses: David Dircks and Donna, Robin Lathrum and Rick, Ellen Dircks, and Dana Courtney and Gerry; 5 grandchildren and spouses: Ryan Lathrum and Stephen, Lindsay March and Mike, Emily Dedee and Paul, Jon Dircks, and Jarrod Dircks Strowig; 3 great grandchildren: Ellie, Addie, and Easton Dedee; and sister-in-law Miriam Dircks. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Minnie Dircks, and brother Robert L Dircks. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Dick on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 2pm (Visitation) followed by a service at 3pm at the First United Methodist Church, 313 E. Montgomery St, Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Knoxville Hospital.

Richard Dircks

January 3, 1928 - September 30, 2012

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Richard Dircks

January 3, 1928 - September 30, 2012

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