Dirk Haegert

Dirk Haegert of Emporia, died on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at his home after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 65.

Dirk was born on July 1, 1960, in Harper, Kansas, the son of Daryl and Joanne Rundell Haegert. He graduated in 1978 from Satanta High School in Satanta, KS. After graduation he attended and played football at St. Mary of the Plains College, Dodge City, KS 1978-1980. He married Joy Schleicher on June 5, 1981, at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife Joy Haegert of Emporia; daughter, Janna (Jack) Lewis of Shawnee; brother, Darin Haegert of Lawrence, KS; sister, Jo Haegert Greene of Roeland Park.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and son Jason Lee Haegert.

After college Dirk worked for a plumbing company in Dodge City then construction in Shawnee, Kansas. In 1985, Dirk achieved his ultimate employment goal, he was hired and trained as a Kansas State Trooper. He served the state of Kansas for 29 years. The first six years he was stationed in Washington, KS. In 1991, Dirk transferred to Emporia and served as a midnight trooper on the Kansas Turnpike. He retired in December of 2014.

In his leisure hours, Dirk enjoyed sports, fishing, playing golf, and home beer brewing. For several years after retirement Dirk turned his beer brewing hobby into a business. In 2015, Dirk began Bent Star Brewing, a small batch brewing company specializing in craft beers. But most of all Dirk enjoyed hosting family and friends for food, drink, and storytelling.

Cremation is planned with a Visitation for Dirk and Jason Haegert from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2026, at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home with the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. with graveside services following at the Americus Cemetery, Americus.. Memorial contributions to SOS of Emporia can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.