Gene was born in Griggs County, North Dakota and moved to Shafter in 1934. His parents were Paul and Erna Dirksen. He graduated from Shafter High in 1949 and attended Bakersfield College until he joined the Navy in 1950. Gene served on the USS Princeton during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He married the love of his life in 1953 and they have been married for almost 58 years. Gene worked as a building inspector for the County of Kern for 32 years. Upon retirement he volunteered overseeing the building of Laurelglen Church. He enjoyed singing, going to church, reminiscing about the Navy, and spending time with family. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Loretta; daughter, Kari; grandchildren, Desiree Spann and husband Travis, Alison Abrams and husband Matt, Breanna Plane and fiance Jonathan; great grandchildren Ethan and Ian Spann; and many treasured friends. A viewing will be held at Peters Funeral Home on Thursday August 18th from 2 - 8pm. A graveside service will begin at 9am on August 19th at Shafter Cemetery, and a memorial service will be held at Valley Baptist Church at 10:30 am.