Dick Daryl Dirksen

Rock Valley, IA: Dick Daryl Dirksen, age 77, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 2, at 11:00 AM at Faith Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Dan De Groot and Rev. Mark Beernink officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://faithrv.com/. Private family inurnment with military rites, will be held prior to the service at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley with Rev. Stanley Groothof officiating. Visitation with the family present will be held Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7:30 PM at Faith Reformed Church.

   Memorials may be directed to The Healing Room (Celebrate Recovery) in Inwood, Iowa https://inwoodhealingroom.com/ or Hospice of Siouxland.

   Born on March 8, 1948, in Adrian, Minnesota, to Herman and Tena (Vander Plaats) Dirksen, Dick Daryl Dirksen grew up in various communities before settling in Ireton, Iowa, as a young boy. On December 3, 1968, he married Joanne (Jo) Van Maanen in Rock Valley, Iowa, and together they were blessed with five children. Their 56 years of marriage were filled with love, devotion, and countless cherished memories.

   Dick served in the Iowa National Guard from September 1966 through September of 1972. He was called up to active duty in May of 1968 at Fort Carson, Colorado until August of 1969. During his active duty time he was selected to attend Recondo Course and successfully graduated. Dick was honorably discharged. Throughout his life, Dick worked in several different occupations, with his final job being at Vande Berg Scales, where he retired after 22 years of dedicated service on April 15, 2020. His commitment to his work was matched by his deep involvement in his community. Dick served on the Rock Valley Ambulance for 25 years, offering his time and skills to help others in times of need. He also served on the board of New Life Treatment Center, reflecting his passion for supporting those in need of recovery and guidance.

   Dick knew and loved the Lord and passed this love on to his family. He was assured of his salvation and commented shortly after receiving the diagnosis of cancer in November of last year that he wanted God to be glorified through this journey. Dick’s greatest joy in life was his family. He especially cherished the time spent with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose presence brought him immense happiness. His proudest accomplishment, however, was achieving 35 years of sobriety on February 19, 2025. Through his recovery, Dick was able to touch the lives of countless individuals, offering support and friendship through AA meetings and Celebrate Recovery. He formed many lasting relationships through his journey, and his legacy of love and support will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Jo, and their 5 children:

Son, Steve and Gayle (Fritz) Dirksen and their family:

     Haeley and Jordan Faber and their children, Avery, Levi, and Beau

     Jess and Amber Dirksen and their daughter, Braelynn

Daughter, Mindi and Mitch Miller and their family:

     Trent and Katie Miller and their daughter, Emilia

     Samuel and Kennedy Yun

     Layne and Mollie and their son, Luka

Son, Kirk and Londa (Wassink) Dirksen and their family:

     Brayden, Kalen and Kira

Daughter, Tanya and Jeremy Hildebrandt and their family:

     Tia, Rian, Dante and Gabriel

Daughter, Jodi and Cory Riemersma and their family:

     Madison and Gustav Espersen

     Jackson

     Lydia

   Dick is also survived by his siblings, Larry (Gloria) Dirksen, Don (Gail) Dirksen, Carol (Jerry) Liston, Teri (Brad) Wagner, and Gretchen (Randy) Van’t Hof; as well as his sister-in-law, Donna (Glen) Tilstra. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Tena Dirksen; parents-in-law, John and Jeanette Van Maanen; stepmom, Lois Mitchell; brothers, Jerry Dirksen and Ronald Dirksen; and his sister-in-law, Marlys.

   The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Dick’s legacy of love, service, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.