Doreen Dirks
September 4, 1936 ~ February 24, 2018
Doreen R. Dirks, 81, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2018. Private family burial will be held at Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Marion.
Doreen was born on September 4, 1936, in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Alfred and Roena (Fuller) Ryan. She married Dwaine Dirks in 1955. Dwaine died in 1984. She married Leo Elsbury in 1987 and they later divorced. Doreen worked at Rockwell Collins for 30 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going to movies, and having lunch with the Collins Radio girls.
Survivors include her children, Terri Jerome (Tom) of Stanwood, Scott Dirks (Patty) of Monticello and Eddy Dirks (Jane) of Marion, and Tammy Yirkovsky (Roger) of Marion; grandchildren, Casey, Tiffany, Rebecca, Chelsea, and Kylie; seven great granddaughters; one great grandson; and two sisters, Kay Reed of Rock Island, Illinois, and Georgia Denham of California.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dwaine; and sisters, Linda Miller and Pam Bell.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
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I was so sad to see Doreen had passed away. She was a customer on my route for several years. We always had a great chat together. She was always cheerful and left me a $2 bill, candy and a card for every holiday and my birthday. I looked forward to delivering her mail because she always made me smile! May she Rest In Peace. Jacci Vollbrecht
Terry , Scott , Ed & Tammy So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. We hope the beautiful and happy memories you have of her will ease your sorrow a little. Thinking of you. GODS SPEED DOREEN Respectfully yours Chris & Jenny Cox
Tammy, Eddy, Terri, Scott and family;
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have some great memories of earlier years growing up and after. Last I knew our Halloween picture she took of us (Tammy) she had in a frame in her condo. My heart goes out to all of you and thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Let me know if I can do anything at all…
Love, Debbie McIntosh Heiar 😢❤️
Sorry to hear of Doreen’s passing. My Mother worked with her at Collins and was one of the retiree’s that had monthly luncheons with the gals before my Mothers passing in 2015. Hugs to Doreen’s family at this sad time. Eileen M. McDermott
Kids, She was a GREAT lady as you all know. We enjoyed a beer with her and your dad also Leo.
I enjoyed playing euchre and working out at the rec. center with her.. You all have our sympathy,will keep you in our thoughts and prayers GOD BLESS Love, Ralph & Janice Stanek
Please accept my most sincere sympathy. I read somewhere “Life is a gift–unwrap it” and I think Doreen did just that–she was always a cheerful and positive person. Traits that I am sure she passed on to you kids–I know she was so very proud of all of you. I would have posted a symbol–but didn’t see one for “gray hair” –she and I “earned ” many of ours together. I remember one day she called me to have me send Ed home (he was supposed to be at our house) ; I told her that I had been just getting ready to call her to send Chris home (he was supposed at their house). Low and behold they weren’t either place–they were found several hours later near the point Indian Creek empties into the Cedar River–seems they had built a raft and decided to go on a cruise. You all must have so many great memories–SHARE THEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN! God Bless you–stay close!
Sondra (Cox) Knapp
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Doreen, I’ll never forget the good times I had with her and the family. I never have forgot all if you and I love you all. Doreen will never be forgotten.- Clara Handel
Family of Doreen Dirks! Dear Teri, and siblings! I was just scrolling thru to find a friend of mine who passed Saturday and found that Doreen had passed in February! I was saddened to see this, she was a beautiful Lady inside and out! I loved spending time at your house as a child, your mom and dad always made me feel welcome and part of the family! The times we had together are priceless! God Bless you all! Denise (Ransier-Sotelo) Westerhoff