Mark Alan Dirks

Rock Rapids & George, Iowa 

     Mark Dirks age 54, of George, Iowa, died Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. 

      Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, with Pastor Travis Remme officiating.

     Mark Alan Dirks was born on June 18, 1968, the son of Alfred and Joan (Essman) Dirks.  He lived with his family on a farm near Rock Rapids, IA until 1976, when they moved to Ellsworth, MN.  Mark attended school in Ellsworth and later graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1987.

     In 1992, Mark married Tracy Lupkes and the couple had two children together, Ashley and Austin.  They later divorced.

     Mark drove a dairy truck for many years and most recently ran a forklift for R&L Carriers.  Things Mark enjoyed doing were playing fastpitch softball, lifting weights, raising Ferrets as pets, watching TV shows and movies, and spending time with his grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.

     Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Ashley Spillman of Ellsworth, MN, and Austin (Christine) Dirks of Hartford, SD; three grandchildren, Taylin Spillman, Brynlee Duin, Evelyn Dirks, and one on the way; his father, Alfred Dirks of George, IA; three siblings, Debbie (Jeff) Boe of Sioux Falls, SD, Leann (Kevin) Krull of Wahpeton, IA, and Jeff (Terri) Dirks of Wheatland, WY; nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

     He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Dirks; grandson, Grayson Spillman; brother, Scott Dirks; and nephew, Ryan Gorter.