LD Dirks
LD Dirks, 85, of Holyoke, passed away July 26, 2023, at the Sedgwick County Nursing Home in Julesburg.
LD was born April 12, 1938, to Lewis and Dora (Denbo) Dirks in Holyoke. He was baptized on April 9, 1939. LD graduated from Perkins County High School with the class of 1956 and was confirmed a year later on May 26, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke.
LD and Phyllis (Brinkema) were married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst on Feb. 24, 1957. Following their marriage, they moved to a farm 7 miles north of Holyoke, where they worked for LD’s parents for two years.
In January of 1960, they moved 4 miles north of Amherst, where they worked for 10 years building up a farm and ranch.
In September of 1970, the family moved to a farm 1 and a half miles southwest of Amherst, where they remained until April of 1983, when they moved to their home in Holyoke.
LD Dirks was not only a dedicated farmer, rancher and a beloved family man but also a deeply committed community leader. LD served on the Fair Board for nine years, contributing to the success of local events and promoting agricultural traditions. He dedicated three years of service to the FHmA Board, playing a crucial role in managing and supporting the community’s housing needs.
LD’s passion for agriculture led him to be a member of the Colorado Corn Growers for seven years, where he actively advocated for the interests of farmers. His dedication and leadership abilities were recognized on a broader scale as he served on the State Board for three years, two of which he held the position of president. Additionally, LD spent five years on the National Board, where he had the opportunity to influence policies and initiatives at a higher level, including a trade mission to Asia.
His commitment to the community extended beyond agriculture as he served on the County Advisory Board for a decade, working to address various local issues. LD also contributed four years to the County Zoning Board, ensuring thoughtful development and preservation of the area’s resources. As a passionate advocate for youth development, he devoted eight years as a 4-H leader, mentoring and nurturing young minds. Additionally, LD dedicated over 20 years with the Amherst Volunteer Fire Department, serving the area whenever called upon.
LD was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst as well as Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke. He served in various offices at both churches over many years.
LD loved farming, traveling and spending time with family. He had a wonderful and endearing sense of humor that his loved ones appreciated. LD’s heart was always with his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed, especially around harvest time, when he was always in his element.
LD was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis; and one son, Derek.
LD is survived by his son, David and wife Julie of Amherst; daughter, Gretchen Dirks of Aurora; five grandchildren, Stephan of Julesburg, Landon of Seward, Nebraska, and Lucas, Brady and Ashley Hoffner of Holyoke; great-grandchildren, Ty Dirks, Aeryn, Brooklyn and Daxton Dirks, Sadie, Carson and Milo Dirks, Braxton Jackson, Bryson, Dathyn, Brody and Daxton Dirks, and Jenna, Connor and Jade Hoffner; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in LD’s memory to Amherst Volunteer Fire Department and Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain Colorado adoption services, lfsrm.org.
Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com.
Memorial services will be held Friday, Aug. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, with Rev. Gary Rahe officiating.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.