A.W. Bill Dr. Dirks

Dr. A.W. “Bill” Dirks, 90, administrator, passed away on February 22, 2014. Memorial service, 10 a.m., Saturday, March 8, West Heights United Methodist Church. Survivors: wife, June Dirks; daughters, Sheri (David) Hiebert and Suzanne (Doug) Scott; granddaughters, Stephanie Hiebert and Shannon Scott; sister, Marie Krehbiel of Moundridge, KS. Dr. Dirks was born on January 14, 1924 to Ella McKnight and Henry Dirks. Dr. Dirks attended elementary school in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Following the death of his mother, he was sent to live with an aunt and uncle in Kansas. Four years of military service as a Navy frogman during WWII earned him his American citizenship. He was proud of his service time and felt honored to be a part of the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2012. After military service, his life was one of continued service. First in his chosen career as an educator for 40 years and following that with many years as a volunteer. Those who worked with and for him frequently spoke of his intellectual and creative ability. Dr. Dirks earned degrees from McPherson College, a Masters from WSU and Doctorate from KU. Many citations, awards, and much recognition were presented to him during his career. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Italy and the Netherlands. Politics was one of his greatest interests. He served as a lobbyist for USD 259, Credit Union of America and the AARP. That he could effectively work both sides of the aisle always satisfied him. Dr. Dirks served on the board of Credit Union of America for 18 years. He was appointed to the CURB board by both Democrat and Republican governors, where he served for 16 years. Many awards attest to his fairness and ability to work with a wide variety of people and issues. His busy life still left him time for travel (over 40 countries), reading and writing, and as a swimming member of the 100 Mile Club for each of 15 years at the YMCA. Always a competitor, he qualified several times in swimming events for the Senior Olympics. Growing older did not diminish Dr. Dirks love of fun and adventure. In his seventies, he rode a luge on the Calgary olympic track, and he and his wife were awarded second place in a dance contest while cruising down the Rhine River. At eighty, he flew a WWII Warbird, remembering his pilots license earned years earlier. His eighty-fifth birthday was celebrated when he began to take organ lessons. His love for his profession and volunteer work paled when compared to his love of family. He and his beloved wife, June, met at McPherson College and have been married 67 years. The love of God and church kept Dr. Dirks centered and focused on the important tenets guiding his life. Before the years made service to difficult, he was active on several church boards. In lieu of flowers, memorial established with West Heights United Methodist Church, Music Ministry, 745 N. Westlink, Wichita, KS 67212.