Alfred Dirks

Alfred Dirks of San Jose passed into eternal life after battling cancer on Monday, December 9, at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria IL at 2:05 AM. He was born September 24, 1937 to Albert and Aleeda (Van Hoorn) Dirks. He married Marjean Weir on January 22 1955. From this union he was blessed with four children; Rick (Kelly) Dirks, Greg (Vicki) Dirks, Lisa (Jerry) Shay, Kevin Dirks, four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one step granddaughter. He later married Alice (Jean) Diers on December 31, 2001 and treasured and enjoyed the love and friendship of her and her family: Kevin, Renelle, and Brian Kirk; and Bob, Leanne and Abby Park, along with the large extended family of the Moehrings. He also leaves his two brothers; George and Dick, and five sisters; Dorothy (Harold) DeBord, Gertrude Ross, Nancy Aspeitia, Anna Witbeck, and Annetta (Chuck) Tillman. Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Albert and wife Karen, brother-in-law Norb Aspeitia, and two sisters-in-law Peg Dirks, and Ruth Dirks. Alfred retired from the 123rd Infantry Division of the Illinois National Guard after 33 dedicated years and achieving the rank of First Sergeant. He also retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co. of East Peoria in 1993 after 30 years. He had a great love for the outdoors, especially deer hunting with his Van Hoorn cousins, and working with Joyce and co-workers on the Aggertt farm. He spent countless hours on his antique tractors, preparing them for the next tractor pull and tinkering in his work shops. His most recent enjoyment was with the Honor Flight for Veterans to Washington D.C. He had a unique sense of humor and used it on everyone he met. He was a member of the Tri County Antique Tractor Club, the Ag of the Past Tractor Club, and the San Jose Lions Club. He was baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran and a dedicated member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church, San Jose. Visitation for Alfred will be held at his church from 9:00 to 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 12, and funeral services will follow at 10:30. Burial with full Military Honors will immediately follow at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. Memorial Contributions may be given to St Luke Lutheran Church of San Jose, Springfield Division of Veterans Honor Flight, or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home of Peoria. Hurley Funeral Home of Mason City is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever.” PSALM 73:26

Alfred Dirks

September 24, 1937 - December 9, 2013

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