Gary Eugene Dirks, 62, of Prophetstown, IL, died Saturday, July 10, 2021.
Gary was born April 11, 1959, in Dixon, IL, the son of Donald and Leona (Kurk) Dirks. He was a graduate of Sterling High School, Class of 1978, and University of Madison Short Course 1981. He married Linda (Benson) Dirks on November 24, 1984.
Gary was deeply committed to his family and was always available to assist anyone at a moment’s notice. He was especially proud of his three children and their accomplishments. Gary worked in farming, construction, and pool installation. He enjoyed all aspects of farming, but was particularly attracted to cattle. He was widely recognized for his ability to fix anything. Most recently, Gary was passionate about creating the perfect wildlife habitat, at his properties in Missouri. In his spare time he enjoyed bowhunting deer and watching, and caring for, hummingbirds.
Gary was a lifetime member of Big Red Church, Sterling, IL, and served on the Stewardship Committee. He was a former 4-H member and 4-H leader. He was an active member in FFA during High School.
Survivors include his parents, Donald (Leona) Dirks of Sterling; wife, Linda; sons, Bart (Meagan) Dirks of Morrison, IL, and Jay (Staci) Dirks of Sterling; daughter, Courtney (Marcus) Sleaford of Atkinson IL; brothers, John (Angel) Dirks of Clarksville, TN, and David (Rebecca) Dirks of Clarksville; sisters, Juli (Billy) Oswald of Stirling, Scotland, and Chris (Greg) Gallentine of Sterling; five grand-daughters, Peyson Dirks and Kylie Dirks, both of Morrison, Wren Dirks and Briar Dirks, both of Sterling, and Henley Sleaford of Atkinson; brother-in-law, David Benson of Sterling; sisters-in-law, Kim (Doug) Egan of Deer Grove, IL, and Sharon Benson of Woosung, IL; special aunt, Margie Mathias of Sterling; special uncle, Claude Nugent; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Edward (Sallie) Kurk; paternal grandparents, Lester (Florence) Dirks; aunts, Dora Kurk, Jean Harper, and Helen Dirks; uncles, Jim Harper and Kenny Dirks; brother-in-law Steve Benson.
Funeral Services will be 11:00, Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Big Red Church, First Congregational Church of Sterling, in Sterling, IL.
Visitations will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday July 16, 2021, at Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation in Sterling, IL, and also one hour prior to Funeral Services on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Cremation rites will be accorded after the Funeral Service.
A memorial has been established to Big Red Church, First Congregational Church of Sterling, in Sterling, IL.
Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.