Dirks, John Henry 1866 - 1955

DIRKS, BORCHERS, FRERICHS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/20/2010 at 10:31:57

John Henry Dirks, a prominent contractor and builder in Plymouth County for many years, passed away at his home in Le Mars on Friday, June 24, 1955. due to the infirmities of advanced years. He attained the age of 88 years, 5 months and 29 days.

Mr. Dirks, the son of Siebolt and Margaret Dirks was born December 25, 1866 in Ostfriesland, Germany, where he was baptized in infancy and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. He attended school in the village there. After serving four years as an apprentice carpenter, he came to the U.S. at the age of 20. He first resided at Coleridge, Nebraska. His parents, brothers and
sisters followed him a short time later. About two years after coming to America, he came to Plymouth County and engaged in the carpenter trade until he retired in 1920. On January 23, 1891 he was united in marriage with Anke Maria Borchers. To this union was born five sons and three daughters. They resided in and near Le Mars until her death June 20,1911.

He then moved to Brunsville with his family. On March 28,1913, he was married to Maria Frerichs (nee Pageler). To this union was born one son and one daughter. In 1942 he moved to Akron, and resided here until the time of his death. He was held in high esteem for his many fine qualities.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Maria; one brother, Edo J. Dirks, and one sister, Mrs. Fred Frerichs, bothof Coleridge, Nebr.; six sons, Bernd. J., Washington, D.C. William S. of Greeley, Colo.; J. Fred Henry, Ed. J., and Walter of Akron; three daughters, Mrs. Minnie Downing, Iowa Falls, Iowa; Mrs. Anna Frerichs, Le Mars, Iowa; Mrs. Marie Hunter, Woodward, Okla.
one step-son, Johnson O. Frerichs, Van Nuys, Calif.; two step-daughters, Mrs. Tina Marienau, Le Mars, and Mrs. Marie Albright, Akron; and 23 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren also survived him.

One daughter, Mrs. Johanna Renken, preceded him in death.

The funeral was from Trinity American Lutheran Church, Akron. Sunday at 1:00 p. m., with Pastor Luther A. Meyer in charge. Hilbert Hennings sang "Lasz Mich Gehan" and "Rock of Ages." Mrs. Luther Meyer was organist.

Pallbearers were grandsons of the deceased: Leonard Dirks, Gerald Harms, Richard Dirks, George Frerichs, John Dirks, and Robert Dirks. The burial was at Christ Lutheran church, Le Mars Rural (Grant township), with Pastor Eidor Fruehling in charge.

Le Mars Globe Post
Thursday, June 30, 1955
Le Mars, Iowa