Obituary of Louis A. Dirker, II
Louis A. Dirker II passed away surrounded by his loving family on February 6, 2016 after a brave and unrelenting battle with cancer. Louis was born August 20, 1948 in Akron, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis A. and Eleanor M. Dirker. He was a graduate of Saint Bernard's Grade School and Hoban High School in Akron. Louis went on to attend The University of Akron where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, an Associate's of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master's Degree in Education. Louis served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer from 1970 to 1973, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. After his military service, Louis joined the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department serving from 1974 to 2001. During this time he served in the patrol division, detective bureau and was the commander of the SWAT Team. After Louis retired from the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department as the Chief of Police in 2001, he went on to work for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District where he served as the Deputy Director of Safety and Security until 2003. In 2003, Louis served the City of Stow as the Chief of Police until his retirement in 2014. From 2014 to 2015 Louis served as a Deputy United States Marshal Court Security Officer in the Cleveland and Akron Federal Courts.
During his 40 years of law enforcement service, Louis attended the 200TH Session of the FBI National Academy, graduated from the Certified Law Enforcement Executives program, was a Basic Police Academy Commander and an instructor at the Kent State University Police Academy. Louis was an exemplary leader who served with honor and held those with whom he served in the highest regard.
Louis was also devoted to his Roman Catholic faith and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. There, he served as a member of the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight, was a Eucharistic minister, and a member of the parish choir.
Louis was dedicated to physical fitness and was committed to everyday weightlifting and running. He earned a first degree black belt from the International Kwanmukan. Louis enjoyed classical music, reading books, and was loyal to his favorite Cleveland sports teams. Louis was a proud member of AA for 27 years.
Louis leaves behind his loving and devoted wife Miriam (Guenther) Dirker of 46 years, whom he loved with every part of his being. He is also survived by his six children, Louis (Patricia) Dirker III, Kurt (Quiana) Dirker, Erik (April) Dirker, Rose (Nick) Marsh, Craig (Jennifer) Dirker, Brett (Alexis) Dirker, and fifteen grandchildren, Xavier, Zoe, Zeke, Stella, Victoria, Luke, Emily, Allison, Gretchen, Eddie, Gwen, Joe, Samantha, Mia, Lyla, and a sixteenth, unborn baby boy Koen Louis. He is also survived by his siblings, Chris (Terry) McHugh, Greg (Kim) Dirker, and Mary (Ron) Smith. Louis also leaves behind his loyal golden retriever, Gunny.
Louis will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Greater Akron, www.lls.org.
An excerpt from the police officer's prayer to St. Michael reads:
"And we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your Heavenly Force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God, as we have been to guard the city of men. Amen."
Calling hours will take place on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 3 to 8 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1905 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 AM on February 12, 2016, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio. (Anthony Funeral Homes, Cuyahoga Falls, 330.928.1313, anthonyfh.com)