Kenneth K. Dirks, 79, of Benton, passed away at 9:28 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN.

He was born on November 7, 1940, to H.O. and Jennie (Weseman) Dirks in Grundy Center, IA. He graduated from the University of Iowa, earning his Bachelors of Science degree and worked as a Mechanical Engineer for John Deere Co. On December 19, 1995, he married Sue Hefner and she survives.

He was a member of Grace Awakening Church in Benton. Ken loved fishing and meeting with his friends for coffee at the Cozy Table. He also enjoyed gathering with his family on Sundays.

Kenneth is survived by his loving spouse Sue, two daughters, Robin (Hugh) Frailey and Kelly (Greg) Bain; grandchildren, Jordan Frailey, Drew Frailey, Breanne (Shane) Brady, Lauren Jewell and Dustin Dirks; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Frailey, Cru Frailey, Stella Frailey; Chance Brady and Kip Brady; a sister-in-law, Hildegarde Dirks; and a special niece, Carol (Al) Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, H.O. Ford and Jennie Dirks, a son, Chad Dirks, a daughter, Kim Jewell, a brother, George Dirks, two sisters, Louise Ables and Genevieve Schaa.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, with Brother Ken Petty and Ron Head, officiating.

Following the service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the National Guard Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to Grace Awakening Church in Benton or Shriners Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.