B. Marlo Dirks

B. Marlo Dirks

B. Marlo Dirks, 80, biochemist with Proctor & Gamble from 1956 to 1985, died today (Oct. 10, 2000) at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born July 20, 1920, to Brinton M. and Blanche Beatrice (Kaegi) Dirks in Newton. They preceded him in death. He married Ruth Ann Brubacher March 6, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio. She survives. He was a member of Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton. He was a board member and vice chairman of the Newton Healthcare Foundation and a former member of the Harvey County Council of Aging. He graduated with a bachelors and masters degree from Kansas State University and earned his Ph.D. From the University of Minnesota. He enjoyed singing, bowling and especially stamp collecting.

Other survivors include: two sons, John Dirks and wife Brenda of Cincinnati and Richard Dirks and wife Shelley of St. Louis; a brother, B C. Dirks of Moundridge; a sister, Rachel Rupp of Moundridge; a granddaughter, Kimberly Perkins of Independence, Ky.; a grandson, Michael Dirks of Salt Lake City; two great-granddaughters, Ashlee Perkins and Priscilla Perkins; and a two great-grandsons, Justin Perkins and Dylan Perkins.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Dirks.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p. m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.

Graveside service will be 2:30 p. m. Thursday at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial service will follow at 7 p. m. Thursday at Bethel College Mennonite Church with Pastor Norma Johnson and Steve Yoder officiating.

Memorials have been established with the Newton Healthcare Foundation in care of Petersen Funeral Home.