John F. Dirks, 91 of Akron, Iowa, passed away on October 2, 2025 at the Akron Care Center.

Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron with Pastor Eric Alm officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Riverside Cemetery in Akron. Visitation with the family present will begin at 4:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., all on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

John Frederick Dirks was born on November 21, 1933 in Akron, Iowa to John F. and E. Bernice (Baker) Dirks. He was raised in Akron and graduated from Akron High School in 1952. He continued his education at Drake University and then joined the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Akron and began working with his father at Dirks Hardware. John bought the business from his father and was the third generation Dirks to own and operate the store.

John was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Joy Sampson, on May 19, 1957. To this union they had two children: Jay and Janelle. John worked alongside his son, Jay, at the store and eventually sold the business to Jay when he retired.

John was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was an active member of the church choir. He was a long-time member and secretary of the Skoon Skinners Club in Akron. He was a member of the Akron Chamber, Akron Lion's Club, Hoschler American Legion, and was also on the Akron City Council for a term.

John had his pilot's license and flew a Piper Tri-Pacer. He enjoyed going bowling, golfing, fishing, and hunting. John and Joy did a lot of camping and traveling over the years. They also played many games of bridge, pinochle, and cribbage. John's health declined due to Parkinsons, and he became a resident of the Akron Care Center in 2022.

John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joy; son, Jay Dirks of Akron, IA; daughter, Janelle (Mike) Dooley of Pflugerville, TX; four grandchildren: Alan Logan Nastri, Matthew Joseph Nastri, Mindy Joy Nastri, Alexander Jay (Courtney Lea) Dirks, and Drew Michael Dirks; two great grandchildren: Jaxon Miller Dirks and Avery Lou Dirks; brother, Chuck Dirks; and other extended relatives.

John is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Patricia (Bob) Carlson and Marion (C. Lee) Schmidt; and sister in law, Jill Dirks.