Dirksen, Eleanor M. 1923-2013

DIRKSEN, CARPENTER, DUMAR, WEBBER, DAVIS, PORTER, JOHNSON, HUMPHRIES

Posted By: Ruth - Volunteer
Date: 3/28/2013 at 19:36:18

Eleanor M. (Mrs. Jerry) Dirksen, 89, of Long Grove, Iowa, died Saturday morning, March 23, 2013 at Genesis Medical Center-DeWitt.
The family will receive friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2013. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Funeral Home with The Reverend Kurt Larson officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Dirksen, Jr., Ron Dirksen, Cal Dirksen, Vern Dirksen, Steve Dirksen and Merle Boyle. Honorary pallbearers will be Gerald Benson and Jim Kane.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute and complete obituary viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Dirksen was born March 24, 1923, in Middleburg, Ohio, the daughter of Lawrence and Inez (Carpenter) Dumar. She married Jurren "Jerry" Dirksen, April 3, 1943. Eleanor was an extremely learned person, earning two doctorate degrees, one in philosophy and another in health and human services. Doctor Dirksen also held a masters degree in science and education as well as twelve additional bachelor and liberal arts degrees. She was a talented poet and received numerous awards for her works. It is believed by her family that Dr. Dirksen was working on a degree at the time of her death.

Surviving are her devoted husband of nearly 70 years, Jerry; children, Jerry, Jr. (Sharon) Dirksen of Davenport, Iowa, Sharon Dirksen of Rock Falls, Illinois, Arlene (Dave) Webber of Neponset, Illinois, Ron (Jan) Dirksen of Davenport, Janice (Don) Davis of Rock Falls, Marvin Dirksen and Calvin Dirksen of Florida, Vern (Tonia) Dirksen of DeWitt, and Steve Dirksen of Florida; 29 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister, Ruth Porter of Rock Island, Illinois.

Preceding Eleanor in death were her parents;a brother, Don Dumar; sisters, Donna Johnson and Laurene Humphries; and an adopted daughter, Peggy Sue Dirksen.