Dick Nelson Dirks

Dick Nelson Dirks, age 79, was born on July 20, 1944, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, to Ben and Ruth Dirks. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 27, 2024, at the Deer River Health Care Center.

He graduated from Deer River High School in 1963. Following high school, he went to the Area Vocational Technical School in Grand Rapids for Appliance Repair, graduating in 1964. On June 7, 1965, he married Lou Ann Thompson at the West Cohasset Chapel by Reverand Charlie Nelson. He served 2 years in the US Army, serving in Vietnam in the 25th Artillery. After returning home, he was employed by Blandin Paper Company where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 1999. Dick also volunteered as a Minnesota State Fire Warden for 35 years. He spent many years playing softball and woodworking in his shop. He loved to go camping, fishing, and hunting with family and friends-enjoying many fish fries. Dick also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and the many activities they were involved in.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Eileen and brother Dale.

He is survived by his wife Lou Ann of 59 years; son David (Paula) Dirks, daughters Gayle (Mark) Cooper and Sara (Matt) Winkler; and sister Valoris (Gerald) Pommerenck. Survived by grandchildren Brooke, Brenna, Brady, Dan, Tyler, Jazmine, Kylie, Lucas, and Caitlyn; 4 great grandchildren: Adlyne, Hunter, Cecelia, and Archer along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024, beginning at 10 am at Grace Bible Chapel in Grand Rapids, MN, followed by funeral service at 11 am and Honor Guard. There will be a luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting one of the following organizations: Forward Health Foundation, forwardhealthfoundation.org; PO Box 367, Deer River, MN 56636 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2720; PO Box 176, Deer River, MN 56636

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