Louis DIRKSEN

DIRKSEN, PALS, KUHLERS, MODDERMAN, LAURITZEN, BOBST, DEWAARD

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/29/2006 at 11:14:45

Louis Dirksen, 95, formerly of rural Alexander and Belmond, died October 18, 2006 at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where he lived the past five years. Services were held October 21 at the First Reformed Church in Alexander with Rev. Phillip Arnold officiating. Burial was in the Alexander Cemetery. Louis, the son of Dirk and Yettie (Pals) Dirksen, was born March 27, 1911 on a farm near Alexander. He attended rural schools until assisting his parents with their farming operation. On December 15, 1938 he married Marie Kuhlers. The couple farmed together in rural Alexander. Louis was very meticulous and hardworking. He taught his family and grandsons the importance of weed-free fields and taking pride in one's work. Louis raised livestock, including black and white beef cattle. He received a champion award from the Franklin County Fair in the fat steer division in 1957. He also won a competition in Hampton for handpicking corn. Louis also took great pride in his work horses. He was never afraid of progress, and it wasn't uncommon for him to invent equipment to help ease the chores. In 1979 they moved into Belmond, but it was not unusual to find Louis on the farm. Many of the buildings on the Century Farm were built with his hands and the hands of his other Dirksen relatives. After Louis and Marie moved into town they enjoyed the 60's Club activities where Louis played pool and cards. Louis was a dedicated member of the First Reformed Church where he was served on the consistory, as a deacon, as an elder, and as Sunday school superintendent. He loved family gatherings, a good conversation, and was always there to lend a hand if needed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 1999; son Robert in 1987; brother Jelto; and sisters Grace Modderman and Clara Lauritzen. Survivors include daughter Karen (LeRoy) Bobst of 514 E. Hamilton Street, New Hampton; brother Dirk (Grace) Dirksen of Alexander; sister Jennie DeWaard of Kanawha; grandsons Jeff (Twyla) Bobst of Waverly and their children Jessica, Dana, Erin and Kari; and Justin (Lonna) Bobst and their children Jeremie and Lea Bobst.

Ocrober 24, 2006
©Belmond Independent 2006