He was born on July 17, 1934 , in Algona , Iowa to Walter and Margret (Shoemaker) Dirksen. He moved with his family to Mason City , Iowa , where he was an Altar Boy, Air Scout and was a member of the Mason City High wrestling team, graduating in 1952. After graduation, he joined his brother-in-law, Harry King Cole, on the road performing in tent shows across the central states.

He served in the US Army as a radar operator at Ellsworth AFB before brief stints acting in the Passion Play and working as a professional photographer.

He attended Browns Institute of Broadcasting in Minneapolis in the early 1960s where he embarked on a long broadcasting career, working as a DJ and newsman at several radio stations in Iowa , Minnesota and South Dakota . While working at KCCR radio in Pierre , he met Martheda (Mardy) Johnston and was married on Oct 12, 1965 in Sioux Falls .

He became News Director of KSOO TV in Sioux Falls and later served in the State Department of Public Instruction in Pierre before moving to Rapid City in May 1972, where he began work at KOTA as a news anchor and host of the call-in program Opinion Please. He also was KOTA s television weatherman and host of KOTA TVs noontime news program.

In 1985 he became Director of Public Information at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, before returning to KOTA serving as reporter and radio news anchor.

A licensed pilot, he joined the South Dakota Civil Air Patrol in 1981 where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served as Commander of the Rushmore Composite Squadron and later on the Wing Staff. He was responsible for many saved lives spanning a 20-plus year membership in the CAP. He also enjoyed metal detecting, golf and playing the guitar and bass.

Survivors include his wife, Mardy, Rapid City ; a son, Lt Col David Dirksen and his wife, Elise, Montgomery Village , MD ; and a daughter, Dawn Dirksen, Rapid City .

Visitation will be from 6:30 until 8:00 PM , Tuesday, August 12, 2008 with a Christian Wake Service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City at 7:00 PM .

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at the Cathedral, with Msgr. William OConnell presiding. Inurnment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery , with military honors provided by Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard under the direction of Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home of Rapid City.

A memorial fund will be established by the family, send contributions to 3747 School Drive , Rapid City , SD , 57703 .