Virgil R. Dirks

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Funeral services for Virgil R. Dirks were held on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, at The Community Bible Fellowship Church of Tahlequah, Okla. Interment will take place at Tahlequah City Cemetery. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.reedculver.com.

Virgil Ralph Dirks was born on Sept. 9, 1928, in Newton, the son of Amos Jacob and Anna Marie (Zurecher) Dirks. After he completed high school, he earned numerous degrees from Grace Bible Institute, Bethel College, Wichita State, and his doctorate in education from the University of Nebraska.

Virgil was the founding director of Markoma Bible Academy in Tahlequah, with its debut in 1961. From 1966 until 1969, Virgil served in the capacity of counselor and the choral director of both the Junior and Senior High Choral Groups, as well as Markoma, taking them to special honors under his direction.

Virgil married the love of his life, Marian Rose Watke, on July 24, 1949, in Shelby, Neb. This union was blessed with four children and 64 years of happiness and memories.

Virgil served as the dean of students at Grace University in Omaha, Neb., for 28 years. His love for the youth he encountered and his willingness to make the most of their lives, was a priority with Virgil he kept throughout his career. He saw the good in all young people and worked tirelessly to assist them in achieving their goals in life. He was just as loving as a husband, father, grandfather and friend.

When he wasn't working, there was always classical music to enjoy, and he spent hours sharing his love of the classics with his children. He loved to spend an afternoon golfing, pitching horseshoes, or watching his beloved "Sooners" play football. He was a gifted artist when it came to refinishing beautiful antique furniture and was able to restore these pieces back to their original beauty. He adored each and every grandchild for their unique gifts and talents and loved any chance he got to spend with them.

A Christian by faith, Virgil had given his life to serve his Lord and Savior, and demonstrated this by word and deed. No one ever heard an unkind word out of Virgil's mouth concerning a fellow human being. He demonstrated a positive outlook on life; even while his strength ebbed, Virgil told everyone he was fine and everything was great. He was far more concerned with the welfare of others than his own.

He was a faithful member at First Baptist Church of Tahlequah, as well as an adult Sunday school teacher, and attended services at Go Ye Village Chapel. Virgil's strength began to leave, and he wasn't able to carry his load as he had for so many years. The Lord called his good and faithful servant from his earthly labors on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, in Tahlequah, Okla., with his wife and family by his side. Virgil was 85 years old. Virgil will be truly missed by his many family and friends.

He has gone to join his parents; his grandparents; two brothers, Norman and Marvin Dirks; and one uncle, Marlin Sperling in the land that knows no night.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Marian Dirks of Go Ye Village in Tahlequah, Okla., and his four adored children, Lynette Wiens and husband, David of Tahlequah, Timothy Dirks and wife, Shardelle of Sedgwick, Bradley Dirks and wife, Kathleen of Belton, Mo., and Jonathan Dirks and wife, Janice of Castle Rock, Colo. He leaves two sisters, Floreine Dirks and Salome Sperling of Mound Ridge. His legacy and love of life live on in his nine grandchildren, Shardelle Olson and husband, Erik, Jonathan Wiens and wife, Erin, Nathan Wiens and wife, Katie, Ryan Dirks and wife, Julie, Stacia Rink and husband, Tim, Tiffany Dirks, Alyssa Hughes and husband, Cory, Julie Ann Walker and husband, Jason, McKinley Dirks, as well as 13 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones.

Those wishing to send their condolences to the family are asked to please consider the Richardson Hall Piano Fund, Go Ye Village, 1201 W. Fourth St., Tahlequah, OK 74464.

Reed-Culver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.