Alfred Lee Dirks, 69, lost his fight with pancreatic cancer and passed on December 14, 2024, at Westview Care Center in Britt.
He was born on June 22, 1955, the son of James Alfred (Jim) and AnnaMay Dirks of Anamosa. He was the oldest son in the family of 11 children and was called Lee by his close family. Raised by his grandmother, Mary Rathbun, Lee graduated from Monticello High School in May 1974 after which he joined the US Air Force. After basic training at Lackland AFB, he was stationed in Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona as a jet mechanic until his discharge in 1976.
It was at this time that Lee owned his beloved 1972 Vega, a car he was to cherish for many years. Lee moved to Forest City in 1988, and worked for Winnebago, where he was called Al, for more than 30 years, retiring in 2019. He loved to watch racing, going to car shows, and having a good cup of coffee. Sharing his passion for racing, Al also worked at Southtown Speedway in Forest City, IA (Go-cart track) for 25+ years as a flagman on turn 3.
He is survived by daughters, Deseria Reyes of Coralville, Pauline (Ralph) Eslinger of Forest City, Bobbie (Jim) Nygen of Cedar Falls, and Rochelle (Michael) Polsdofer of Forest City; 11 grandchildren; brothers, James (Kathy) Dirks of Davenport, Byron “Barney” (Joan) Dirks and Frank Dirks both of Anamosa, and Greg (Jennifer) Dirks of Clinton, North Carolina; sisters, Marilyn “Kay” (Dennis) Countryman, Becky (Dave) Haugsted, and Jerry Willcoxson, all of Anamosa, Patricia (Chris) Carey of Onslow, Melinda (Kevin) Carter of Florida and Janet Lemmer of Cedar Falls and step-dad Kenny Dircks of Onslow. Also cherishing his memory are his Aunts Shirley, Ellie and Rose, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Richard.
Upon his wishes he was cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Schott Funeral Homes, 505 North Clark St., Forest City, Iowa 50436 . Memorials may be directed to 1045 Highway 69N, Forest City, IA 50436.
The family would like to thank the VA in Des Moines and the Britt Hospice Center for his end-of-life care.
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