Memorial
Susan “Sue” M. Dirks, 71, of Marion, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at home following a lengthy illness. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Sue was born on February 19, 1953, in Storm Lake, Iowa to Reverend Dick and Marilyn Joy Watkins. As a preacher’s daughter, she lived in several different communities including Hopkinton, Fort Dodge, and Belmond where she graduated from high school in 1971. She went on to Simpson College and then transferred to the University of Iowa where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1975.
Sue married her high school sweetheart, Tim Dirks. They met and fell in love as fifteen-year-olds at Belmond High School. They married on June 8, 1974, and celebrated their 50th anniversary in June of this year. During their married life, they lived in Iowa City, Wyoming, and Corwith, Iowa. For the last thirty-three years they have called Marion, Iowa their home. They are the true definition of for better or worse, and in sickness and in health.
She was a nurse for forty years, including Jackson Memorial Hospital and Medical Associates in Maquoketa, Mercy hospital Iowa City, Hancock County Medical Clinics, Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Internists PC, and Respiratory Critical Care Associates. During her time as a nurse, she was in the intensive care unit, charge nurse, nurse manager, and a clinic and floor nurse. She lived to help people and was proud of being a lifelong nurse.
She was a very spiritual woman and her relationship with God was strong and helped guide her in her life. She was a regular at church and taught Sunday School.
Sue was most devoted in her life to her family. She did everything in her power to support and show her love and passion for them every moment of her life. Living so close, she was able to be a regular fixture at their sporting events, concerts, and any activity that she could spend time with them.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Dick and Joy Watkins; mother and father-in-law Donald and Rose Dirks; brother, Lew Watkins, and brothers-in-law, David Dirks and Roger Anderson.
She is survived by her husband, Tim Dirks, of Marion; children, Heather (Kevin) Joens of Cedar Rapids, and Spencer (Jessie) Dirks of Knoxville, Iowa; three beloved grandchildren, Austin and Cullen Joens, and Skyler Baxter; sister, Kate Anderson, brother and sisters-in-law David and LaDonne Abele; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Mercy-Cedar Rapids for the love and care given to Sue.