Harlan Dirks

Harlan James Dirks, age 95, passed away on Aug. 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

A longtime resident of Toledo, Iowa, Harlan was born on Sept. 26, 1930, on the family farm in Grundy County to Henry and Minnie (Meyer) Dirks. At age three, his family moved to Grundy Center, where he grew up and graduated from Grundy High School. He attended Coe College before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he completed training in radiology.

While in Iowa City, Harlan met a nurse from Sioux City named Darlene King. They married on Sept. 23, 1951, and built a life together.

Harlan entered military service soon after he and Darlene married. Following his release from the military, he returned to the University of Iowa and enrolled in the business college. During this time, their daughters Valerie and Susan were born.

After graduating, Harlan began working for Rath Packing Company in Waterloo. Their daughter Sandra was born in 1958. The following year, a business opportunity brought Harlan to Toledo, where he joined William Kremenak in the insurance business. On Oct. 23, 1959, the Dirks family relocated to Toledo. Their son, David, was born in 1962.

Harlan added real estate to his insurance office and remained in the insurance business until his retirement in 1994. He continued working in real estate with his son David, and together they owned Arrowhead Mobile Home Park.

Harlan was active in his community and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Toledo Fire Department for 24 years. He and Darlene were charter members of the Toledo Ambulance Service, where they both served as EMTs.

Harlan enjoyed fishing, pheasant hunting and taking his grandchildren on adventures. He held a pilot's license and loved scuba diving, sailboarding, traveling in the RV and inline skating. He was always up for an adventure and found ways to stay active throughout his life.

Harlan will be remembered for his love of family and community, and his adventurous spirit.

Harlan is survived by his children, Valerie (Nathan) Behounek, Susan Harrison (Mike Roeder), Sandra Dirks, and David (Ardella) Dirks; his grandchildren, Carie Behounek, Jacob (Amy) Behounek, Sarah (Aaron) Kassen, Shelby (Ryan) Speicher, Todd Dirks (Haley Proenza), Kyle Dirks (Ryan Gruber), and Ryan Dirks (Natasha Ribby); his great-grandchildren, Brendon Ribby, Nevaeh Mathes, Juliet Sherman, Jake and Kayla Dirks, and Riley (Jose) Fragoso; his great-great-grandchildren, Noah and Alecia Fragoso; his niece, Lori (Steve) SchraderBacher; and his great-nephew and great-niece, JJ and Naomi SchraderBacher.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Inez Dirks; son-in-law, Douglas Harrison; great-grandchild, D.J. Kahley; and his parents, Henry and Minnie Dirks.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Toledo First Presbyterian Church. Fellowship will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorial donations can be directed to the family.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.