Russell F. Dirks

Russell F. Dirks, 82, of Elkhart Lake, son of Erwin and Evelyn (Gosse) Dirks passed away suddenly on January 24, 2025 after enjoying a night of playing sheepshead with friends. He was a lifelong member of Community UCC where he was baptized and confirmed. He attended Garfield grade school through 7th grade and Elkhart Lake schools from 8th grade until he graduated with the class of 1960.
On January 21, 1967 he was united in marriage to Sharon Free in Sheboygan. He worked at Tecumseh Products for 42 years and trucked canned milk for the Stange Cheese Factory. Russell was a lifelong farmer, working with his dad and sons. He was proud of his Ford tractors and his MM-U 1950 tractor, taking it to the Elkhart Lake parade. For nearly 50 years, Russell was active with tractor pulling at the Sheboygan County Fair. A passion he shared with his father, sons and now grandson. Vacations were taken with friends throughout the United States. He also bowled for many years at Pine Grove Lanes. Watching sports and westerns were a passion in his retirement years.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years; Sharon, three children; Vicky (Mike) Milbrath, Paul (Marsha) Dirks, John (Nichole) Dirks, eight grandchildren; Jacob (Maddie) Milbrath, Abby (Brandon) Debbink, Alex (Haley) Milbrath, Taylor, Tristyn, Jenna, Joe and Katelyn Dirks, great grandchildren; Clayton, Miles, Murphy, Reggie, Kori, Cleo and Cali. Further survived by brothers-in-law; Melvin (Lorrie) Free, Myron (Marilyn) Free and a sister-in-law; Janice Free. Russell is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his Aunt; Katie, father-in-law and mother-in-law; Walter and Dorothy Free, brother-in-law; Marvin Free, niece; Carren along with many dear friends.
Funeral Services for Russell will be held at 6:00pm on Friday January 31, 2025 at Community UCC (174 N. East St. Elkhart Lake) Visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 3:00pm until 5:45pm when we will have brief family rites before the service at 6:00pm.
Russell's family would like to thank their daughter-in-law Marsha and Dr. Remington for the years of care they gave to Russell. They would also like to thank the Elkhart Lake First Responders and the Kiel ambulance Service for all the care they provided.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.