Dirke Lee Redus

Dirke Lee Redus, 56, of Jefferson City, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 26, 1963, in St. Louis, a son of the late Clarence and Opal (Brown) Redus. Dirke was united in marriage on June 26, 2004, to Barbara Berendzen. Dirke was a 1981 graduate of Hancock Place High School in St. Louis. He attended State Fair Community College where he studied Network Administration. Dirke was employed by Capital Region Medical Center, Providence Bank and most recently by the Missouri State Public Defenders Office. Dirke was a music man. Music was his language. He was a founding member of Acoustic Classics and later performed solo in his own "One Man Band". His larger than life personality and love for music brought everyone together. Everyone who met him had a special song that would draw them in to sing with him. He may have had to turn the microphone off a few times but he gave everyone their moment in the spotlight. People were drawn to listen to him sing everywhere he went. He always had his guitar and would sing anywhere at any time. His smile and laugh were contagious. He was also a bit of a practical joker. Even during his intense chemo therapy at Barnes Hospital, he always kept the nurses guessing with his antics. Dirke was truly proud of his Native Cherokee Heritage and loved his computer gadgets, politics, twitter and spending time on the Osage River. But what was most important to Dirke was his family, friends and his beloved dogs, Romeo and Hydrox. He held a special place in the hearts of everyone he met. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Jefferson City; daughters: Nikki Naumann (Seth) and Kelsey Wieberg; sons: Ryan Herigon (Brandy) and Nathan Herigon (Jill); brother: Steve Redus (Kim): sisters: Marilyn Banks (Dave) and Joanna Keeler (James); grandchildren: Eliza Naumann, Ethan Herigon, Reese Herigon and Riley Herigon; brothers and sisters-in-law: Mike (Jan) Berendzen, Ilse (Jeff) Erickson, Marian (Curt) Bridges, Gary (Sheri) Berendzen and Mark (Sue) Berendzen and numerous nieces and nephews that were very special to him. Dirke was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Larry Redus. Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 25, 2019, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors with a memorial service following at 3:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Party at Capital Bluffs Event Center will follow Monday evening after services. BYOG (Bring Your Own Guitar). In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy be made to Jefferson City Music Academy or Haven House of St. Louis. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.