By Marisa Dawson
Photos Courtesy of Ken Dirksen
In the heart of Bennington, where community ties run deep and volunteerism is a way of life, one man stands out for his unwavering dedication to others. Ken Dirksen, an Army veteran, longtime community leader and beloved school bus driver, has spent decades quietly building a legacy of service that touches nearly every corner of local life. Nominated for the Hero Spotlight by Bennington Public Schools Transportation Coordinator Jeremy Edens, Dirksen embodies the spirit of unselfish giving, inspiring those around him without seeking the spotlight.
“I don’t try to publicize a lot of stuff I’m involved in,” Dirksen shared during a recent interview at his home, surrounded by plaques and certificates that tell a story of quiet achievement. “Everybody knows I keep busy, and I get complimented about donating time, so I kind of just take it with a grain of salt.”
Dirksen’s journey began in Omaha, where after graduating from high school in 1957, he earned his accounting degree from Creighton University in 1961. That same year, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, kicking off a military career that spanned active duty and reserves. Stationed in Germany from 1962 to 1964 during the height of the Cold War, Dirksen served as an executive officer in a finance disbursing section. He and his Captain innovated a payroll system, shifting from cash to checks for 10,000 to 15,000 troops in the Fulda Gap region, a strategic area vulnerable to potential Soviet invasion. This change reduced theft risks and improved efficiency, earning Dirksen a special citation for initiative and administrative skill. “That was the start of everybody issuing checks in Europe,” he recalled.
Rising through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel, Dirksen continued in the Army Reserve as a staff member of a US Army Reserves school from 1968 to 1982. His career included two years of teaching advanced officer courses including the Command and General Staff course. He retired from the Army in 1988 (with final placement on retired status in 1992), receiving several commendations from Presidents and Commanders alike. Today, as a 29-year member of Bennington American Legion Post 266, he serves in the Honor Color Guard, participating in parades like Bennington Daze and providing military honors at veterans’ memorials.
Professionally, Dirksen joined the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) in 1966, retiring in 2005 as Director of Internal Auditing. A certified fraud examiner and past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, he focused on operational efficiencies, cost savings and internal controls. Even in retirement, he remains active in the MUD Veterans Club, fostering connections among former colleagues.
But it’s Dirksen’s community involvement that truly sets him apart. A charter member of the Cornhusker Cosmopolitan Club since its founding in November 1969 he has held various officer positions. Dirksen has participated in the annual Christmas party for special needs kids in Omaha since 1975. The club’s mission aligns with his personal ethos: “Our goal is to change the world one person at a time, community at a time.” He currently serves as Treasurer of the Omaha Cornhusker Cosmopolitan Foundation, which focuses on fundraising and charitable donations. Under his leadership, the foundation has funded diabetes research and sent children to camps like Camp Floyd Rogers and Camp Hotshots. “By sending these kids to camp, they’re able to see how other kids of their same status help themselves,” Dirksen explained. “They find out they’re not the only one in this world that has that diabetes situation.”
Dirksen’s fundraising prowess shines through in service club barbecue rib feeds, where he leverages experience from similar events with the Knights of Columbus and the Cosmopolitan Club. During his tenure as a 35-year Lions member, he chaired rib feeds that fund scholarships for high school seniors and promoted peach sales in the Bennington community. He volunteers at Nebraska’s Special Olympics for “Opening Eyes,” providing eye screenings and glasses, and assists with the Lions Mobile Screening Unit. “The overall goal of Lions organization is to detect and fund research to cure diabetes,” he noted.
His service extends to the German American Society, where he served on the board for 24 years (14 as treasurer) and now chairs the audit committee and serves on the investment committee. A 50-year Knight of Columbus member, Dirksen was Grand Knight of Council 7064 from 1998 to 2000. He supports pro-life activities and aids residents at the Elkhorn Care Center with bingo nights. At St. Patrick’s Church in Elkhorn, where he’s been a member since 1980, he ushers every Sunday and contributes to the Men’s Club fundraisers like Lenten fish fries and fireworks sales.
Family remains central to Dirksen’s life. He has two daughters and stays involved with his grandchildren’s activities- basketball, swimming, and musical performances. He funds summer workshops and treats them to Creighton basketball games, emphasizing that “competition should be fun and not everyone can be a winner.”
Above: Mikaela Conley and Nathan Conley, two of Dirksen’s grandkids, pose with him.
Perhaps most endearing to Bennington residents is Dirksen’s role as a route and activities school bus driver, now in his 15th year. Starting with middle and high school routes, he now transports Heritage Elementary students to school. “I love to meet the kids every morning,” he said. “You have to establish a rapport with those kids early… Treat them fairly, give them a chance to recover if they’ve done something that isn’t right.” Parents rave about his kindness, and former riders still greet him with high-fives at local events.
Edens’ nomination highlights this impact: “What makes Ken so special is his choice to work as a school bus driver for the last fourteen years. The kids all know him by name. Ken has made a huge impact on the students of Bennington and his volunteer work in our community is unmatched.”
Dirksen attributes his drive to a higher purpose: “I learned early in life… that the good Lord put me in this world probably for a reason, and that is to try to take care of your neighbor and work towards the development and good life of others.” He lives by a standard of providing “service that’s more fruitful, productive and happier lifestyle through the path of unselfish service.”
When asked about being recognized as a hero, Dirksen reflected humbly: “It makes me gratified to know that people recognize the good works of others… I’m happy for it.” Healthy and active at an age where many slow down, boasting no major surgeries or hospital stays, he plans to continue driving as long as he’s able, noting the district’s need for more drivers. (Interested parties should contact Bennington Public Schools.)
In a world often focused on self, Ken Dirksen reminds us that true heroism lies in consistent, quiet acts of service. Bennington is richer for his presence.
