Jerry Dircks

"He will be remembered for his wonderful stories and devotion to his family and friends."

Rock Hill, SC - Jerry Dircks, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in the small town of Van Horne, Iowa, Jerry was the son of the late Lewis Dircks and the late Phyllis Campbell. He grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he attended St. Wenceslaus and Immaculate Conception- formative years that shaped the warmth, faith, and strong sense of community he carried throughout his life.

Jerry went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, a source of great pride he held close for the rest of his days. On October 24, 1964, he married the love of his life, Karen Tisl, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades and carry the family across many states in pursuit of new horizons.

His business career began at Waterloo Industries and led him to John Deere, where his dedication and work ethic earned him a distinguished career with leading manufacturing companies including Perkins, Navistar, and Cummins Diesel spanning over 40 years. Jerry was a man who could find both purpose and adventure in his work, always bringing his family along for the journey. Twenty years ago, he and Karen settled in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the city that became their cherished home.

Jerry's passions were as generous as his spirit. His love of Drum & Bugle Corps was born early, as a proud member of the Cedar Rapids Cadets - a formative experience that ignited a lifelong devotion. That passion was rewarded as the director of the Waterloo Iowa Royals Drum & Bugle Corps, where he guided the group to several top ten finishes worldwide while leaving a lasting impression on a generation of young performers. He was a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes fan - rarely missing a game - and found immense joy watching Drum Corps competitions on television, never losing his connection to the music and discipline that had shaped him. He was an avid reader, and his curiosity about the world around him never dimmed.

Beyond his personal pursuits, Jerry dedicated himself to others. He volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem, serving as a steady and compassionate voice for vulnerable young children in the court system. He also gave years of service working with vulnerable adults - a quiet, consistent generosity that spoke to the depth of his character.

Those who knew him well understood that his stories, his humor, and his genuine interest in people was a gift. Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers Greg, Herb, and Tom, and his sister Mary Ellen (Dircks) Yanacek.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his son Matt, and wife Julia; his daughter Lisa and husband Travis; his cherished granddaughter Maddie; his sister Karlene Krueger, and sister's-in-law Maddie Dircks, and Elsie Dircks; and a treasured circle of nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives he touched deeply.