Dirk Hernandez passed away peacefully with his family at his side. He was 70 years old. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Hernandez. Dirk is survived by his wife Stephanie Hernandez of Turlock, daughters Heather Formby (Doug) of Larkspur and Hilary Hernandez of Turlock. He is also survived by his grandchildren Doug Formby III and Liliana Formby, his mother Arlene Hernandez and brother Dee Hernandez (Pam) both of Turlock.
Dirk was born January 24, 1954, at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California.
Shortly after being born, he moved to Los Banos for a few years, before moving to Turlock. He attended Osborn Elementary and Turlock High School, where he was a three-sport athlete, playing football, wrestling and swimming. Dirk was enthusiastic about swimming and excelled in it. He only wanted blue ribbons. He set records at Turlock High School in the 50-yard free style, the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly. He participated in Tiger Sharks, and the aquatic club for many years and ended up coaching the Turlock aquatic club. He was the overall winner in his age group during several two day meets plus swimming AAU Far Western. He went on to graduate from Modesto Junior College and then later in life received his bachelor’s degree from Stanislaus State in Criminal Justice.
Dirk met his wife Stephanie while doing what they enjoyed most, dancing. They fell in love and married four years later. They loved traveling to the Central Coast, the mountains camping, fishing, and barbecuing in the backyard. They have been married for 43 years. He was a devoted and proud father and papa to his daughters Heather and Hilary and grandchildren, Doug and Liliana. He would attend all their sporting events and cheer them on enthusiastically. He was especially proud to attend the Junior Olympics with both daughters, Heather in track and Hilary in volleyball. Dirk loved fishing and the outdoors. He was fortunate to take a trip to Alaska with his dad and brother and caught a King Salmon. You would rarely find Dirk indoors. He also had a love for animals, especially his five dogs. Dirk was the biggest sports fan routing for the San Francisco 49ners, Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Giants. He loved going to the games with family and friends.
Dirk worked for Save Mart, two independent family businesses, State Farm, and then entered the car business where he worked for Turlock Chrysler Dodge, 5 Star, Merced Toyota and Price Ford. He enjoyed the car business and the chase of making the sale. He could sell ice to an Eskimo. Dirk wore his heart on his sleeve and was truly a kind, compassionate, loving, funny and loyal husband, father and friend. No matter where Dirk went, he would strike up a conversation and make that person feel special. He will be dearly missed by all.
Services for Dirk will be held May 4th at 10:00 am in the Main Chapel at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 North Soderquist Rd, Turlock, California. Burial immediately following and then a reception at the Cemetery Entrance Circle.
