Larry Dirks

Larry Lynn Dirks was born on November 20, 1939, to Gertrude and George Dirks then of Wilcox, Nebraska. He attended grade school in Wilcox and Upland, Nebraska, and graduated high school from Callaway, Nebraska in 1957. After graduating High School, Larry worked for various farmers before entering the United States Air Force in March of 1961. While in the service of his country, Larry served in Germany, numerous bases in the United States and served four tours in the Republic of Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force in 1981, Larry lived and owned a general mercantile store in Hartsel, Colorado. Larry then moved back to Upland, Nebraska and worked as the town maintenance man for a number of years. Eventually, Larry returned to Colorado and ran his General Mercantile store, before moving to Franklin, Nebraska, in 2005.

After moving to Franklin, Larry spent many hours attending auctions or working with his coin collection. Although Larry never went hunting he liked to buy, sell, and collect guns. At the time of his death, Larry was living with his mother Gertrude Johnson. Larry is survived by his mother Gertrude Johnson of Franklin; three brothers, Lewis Dirks and wife Shirley of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dennis Johnson and Amanda of Upland, Nebraska, and Mark Johnson of Franklin, Nebraska. Larry is also survived by Arlynn Meyer and wife Lola of Minden, Nebraska plus many other special cousins; and one Aunt Amanda Fickett of Savannah, Georgia, plus many nieces and nephews.

Larry Dirks was never married but shared his time, talents and his resources with his family and friends.

Larry was truly a gentle, generous, good guy.

A celebration of life service for Larry L. Dirks, was held Tuesday, June 12, 2007, at 10:30 a.m., at the Grace Lutheran Church, Franklin, Nebraska, with Pastor Ronald Kuehner officiating. Organist was Laura Adams, and the congregation sang "Onward, Christian Soldiers" and "What A Friend We Have in Jesus." United States Air Force Honor Guard served as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers were: Doug McRoberts, Arlynn Meyer, Allen Meyer, Brad Dirks, Dean Dirks, Larry Garland, Allen Garland, and Wade Johnson. Military honors were presented by United States Air Force Honor Guard, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebrask and American Legion Post No. 284, Upland, Nebraska. Interment was in St. John's Cemetery, rural Wilcox, Nebraska. The family suggests memorials to Veteran's Children College Scholarship Fund or the Church. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska, was in charge of arrangements.