Memorial

Ronald Wilton Dirks, age 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 26, 2026. He spent Memorial Day, a most special day to Ron, with his family, listening to memorial services, parades, and music. Before the day was over, Ron decided Memorial Day would be a fitting day to go home. Visitation will be held 4:00 pm-7:00 pm Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial Park State Room in Cedar Rapids. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for Ronald Dirks, under the video tab starting at 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Interment will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Ron is survived by his wife of 51 years LouAnn (Meisner); his children Jessica (Marco), Jennifer, and Michael; his grandchildren Makenzy, Shyla, Harlow, and Malaki; grandpuppies Isley and Tucker and grandkitty Frankie; brother Randy (Leann); mother-in law Betty Zalesky and father-in-law Bill Meisner; brother-in-law Tom Meisner and sisters-in-law Sue (Billy) Butler, Lori (Ron) Chupp, and Kari (Mark) Otis; his nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and his MeadowView Memory Care family.

He was preceded in death by his mother Theo (Waline) Dirks, his father Clarence Dirks, brothers Clarence Jr. (Clancy) and Richard (Rick), and nephew Scott.

Ron was born May 20, 1949, in Anamosa, Iowa. He graduated from Anamosa High School in 1967 and attended the University of Iowa. Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970, honorably serving in Vietnam from January 1971 to January 1972. In 1972, he began a 37- year career with Cargill, serving as a clerk, Plant Supervisor, and OSHA Facilitator before his retirement in 2009. Always determined to finish what he started, Ron returned to college in 1989, graduating with his Bachelor’s degree from Mount Mercy in 1993.

In 1974 Ron met LouAnn and they were married in 1975.  Their 51-year marriage was the foundation of Ron’s greatest passion: his family.  Together Ron and LouAnn had three children and four grandchildren who he loved above all else.  He passed down to them his quick wit, patriotic spirit, and love for a good road trip. Even as his Alzheimer's progressed, Ron always recognized the deep love he felt whenever his family walked into the room.

In 1996 Ron became involved with The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This experience served to ignite his second passion: honoring his veteran brothers and sisters. Serving as guide, escort, and guard, Ron assisted with over 30 stops of The Moving Wall.  In 2011, Ron became an active member of American Legion Post 298, serving on the Color Guard and performing military funeral rites for over 400 fellow veterans. He served his Post as a building and grounds committee member, Sergeant-at-Arms, and in 2013 as Commander of Post 298. To further honor his community veterans, Ron served for six years as Commander of the Freedom Festival “Voices of Hope” Color Guard. To Ron, honoring his fellow veterans was a sacred calling, ensuring that no soldier's sacrifice was ever forgotten.

Ron will forever be remembered as a loyal friend with the gift of gab who loved traveling, fishing, cheering on the Hawkeyes, and serving his community and country.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation to American Legion Post 298 and MeadowView Memory Care Village.