ââGary Dean Dirksen, 73 of Pella, died April 27, 2021 at Pella Regional Hospital. A memorial service will be held June 19 at the Central College Chapel followed by a gathering at the Graham Center on campus. ââGary was born Sept. 5, 1947 in Hampton to Jelto and Margaret Pals Dirksen. He attended school through junior high in Alexander and graduated from CAL Community High School in 1965. He attended Central College, and after graduating in 1969, accepted a position as an admissions representative for the college. He was employed in that office for ten years, then left as Associate Director to become the Director of Student Financial Assistance. He held that position for 15 years during which time he was actively involved in the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. For several years he was a member of the State of Iowa Advisory Board, on the Board of IASFAA, and chaired several committees for the association. In addition, he was a presenter at several state and midwest conventions. He was the recipient of the IASFAA Distinguished Service Award and was honored to be recognized as a lifetime member of the association.