George Earnest Dirkes passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022, at the age of 92.  He was a month shy of celebrating his 93^rd birthday. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, daughters Kathleen Palmer (husband Philip Palmer) and Jennifer Dirkes (husband Michael Smith), grandchildren Kyle Palmer (wife Maggie Palmer) and Emma Palmer (partner Nathan Fisher), and great-granddaughter Abigail Palmer.

George was born in Chicago on November 14, 1929, to John and Ella (Walsh) Dirkes. After living a short while in Bellwood, Illinois, George’s parents then settled into Brookfield, Illinois with four children: Virginia, the remaining sibling and oldest of the four, John Dirkes, Donald Dirkes, and George. The family attended St. Mary’s Parish in Brookfield.

After graduating from Riverside-Brookfield High School in 1947, George followed his parents to Lyndon Station, Wisconsin.  He worked to gather money for college and attended the University of Wisconsin – Superior as he could, but eventually enlisted in the Army to serve in the Korean War from 1951 through 1953.  Part of his military training instruction was in Fort Chaffe, Arizona, with the privileged honor of being selected to train in Army Intelligence. He had an exciting time in Korea on the frontlines acquiring and analyzing ariel intelligence for the ground troops. He holds a patent on a discovery of black & white imaging perception. Once back from Korea, he returned to Wisconsin, where he was off again to college but this time at UW Madison.

Nothing made George prouder than his degree in Geology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, achieved in 1957.  He was a lifelong Badger fan, rarely missing a game. During the more difficult times near the end of his life, the Wisconsin fight song was something that would rouse him from a reverie like a call to action, and his feet would move in time with the music.

George worked his way through several mines and construction companies, working both locally and internationally. He often spoke of several interesting projects he headed for Lester Crown, one of the founders of Material Service, and for Cunningham Kiewit Company out of Lincoln, Nebraska. He eventually founded the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers, serving as the executive director and lobbyist for the trade organization representing the Illinois aggregate mining industry. His independent pet project was a white marble quarry, Michigan Marble, which he established in Iron Mountain Michigan. It was one of his ‘rock hobbies’ that he occupied himself with throughout his life.  He retired in 1997 from the organization but remained as both a support and influence to many. After retirement, George kept busy with various consulting projects and even some volunteer work with the United States Geological Survey.

While living with his brother John and his wife Evalyn in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, a sassy, cute gal from the Hinsdale area caught George’s attention.  He went on to marry Patricia (Storke-Hesler) and lived first in Brookfield, then moved to the Burr Ridge area, then La Grange Park, and eventually built their home in Indian Head Park where they resided for nearly 50 years.  They were Florida ‘snowbirds’ for many years, and had a second home in Fort Myers, Florida. George and Pat were married for 61 years sharing many adventures, travel, laughter, and wonderful memories.

The marriage brought his daughters Kathy and Jenny into the world.  He was proud of his girls and was generous in sharing his love, support, and wisdom.  He raised his daughters to be independent thinkers, and though he was a protective father, he never treated his daughters as fragile females. George portrayed the tough-guy image with his sons-in-law at the start of those relationships, but quickly became both a father and friend to Phil and Mike, embracing them as his own.  He was a an equally loving grandfather to Emma and Kyle, making sure that he spent quality time creating unique, fun experiences throughout the years for not only the grandkids, but the whole family, as well.  He was an absolute ball of mush around his great-granddaughter, Abby, growing both teary-eyed and awestruck with every move she made.

George loved Wisconsin football, watching the Bears play, travel, golf, enjoying a nice glass of whiskey, eating chocolate daily, discussing geology, the company of friends, and having a good laugh.

Visitation will take place at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55^th St., Countryside on Sunday, October 23^rd from 2 PM until 6 PM. Funeral prayers 10:30 AM on Monday, October 24^th from the funeral home to St. John of the Cross Church, Western Springs for Mass at 11am. Though flowers are treasured, donations to the Honor Flight Network would be valued, as well. Funeral information: 708-352-6500