Dirks, Henry H. (1865-1944)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1945 Jan 30 p. 16

Birth date: 1865 May 4

text of obituary:

Henry B. Dirks [sic Henry H. Dirks] ward am 4. Mai, 1865 zu Karolswande [sic Karolswalde], Südrußland geboren und kam Oktober 1874 mit Eltern nach Pennsylvania, wo sie etwa 6 Jahre wohnten und dann nach Turner County, Süd Dakota kamen und sich auf einer Farm niederließen und die schweren Pionierjahre durchmachten. In 1882 ward er bekehrt und auf seinen Glauben an Jesus Christus getauft von Pred. Friedrich Schartner und schloß sich der Mennonitengemeinde an. Am 31. Dez. 1885 heiratete er Margaret Schmidt und sie zogen nach Bonne Homme County, S. D. und schlossen sich der Friedensberg Gemeinde an wo er treues Glied blieb. Am 13. April, 1925 starb seine Gattin. Es wurden ihnen keine Kinder geboren. Am 8. Januar 1931 heiratete er Elisabeth F. Dirks. Im Herbst 1943 ward er krank, und sein Zustand verschlimmerte sich, trotz aller Gegenmittel, und am 30. Dez. 1944 verließ sein Geist seine irdische Behausung um die himmlische anzutreten. Er wurde 79 J. 7 M. und 26 Tage alt. Um ihn trauern seine geliebte Gattin, 2 Schwestern, Frau Maria B. Koehn, Galva, Kansas; und Frau Lydia J. Schmidt, Wolf Point, Montana, und viele Freunde. Die Begräbnisfeier war am 2. Dezember und die Leiche ward auf dem Friedensberg Friedhof zu Avon, S. D. begraben. Die Prediger Ed. Duerksen und John Dirks dienten. Pred. Duerksens Text war Röm. 6:11; und Pred. Dirks benutzte Ps. 46: 1 - 7.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Jan 18 p. 3

text of obituary:

HENRY H. DIRKS ______

Henry H. Dirks was born in Karols-Walde, South Russia, on May 4, 1865.

In October, 1874, he came to America with his parents. They lived in Pennsylvania about six years, then when he was 14 years old, he came with his parents to Marion, Turner County, S. Dak. They settled down on a farm near Marion, where he experienced many hardships of pioneer life.

In 1882 he was converted and upon his confession of Jesus Christ as his Savior and Redeemer, was baptized by Rev. Fredrich Shartner and received as a member into the Mennonite church.

On Dec. 31, 1885, he was united in marriage with Margaretta Schmidt and they jointly came to Bon Homme county, S. Dak., and changed their membership to the Friedensberg church, south of Avon, where he has been a true and faithful member all the days of his life.

On April 13, 1925, he was deeply grieved over the loss of his dearly beloved wife, with whom he had shared the blessings and joys and also the sorrows of life for 39 years. No children were born to this union.

On Jan. 8, 1931, he found in Elizabeth F. Dirks, daughter of Fredrich [sic Friedrich] and Helena B. Dirks, a dear companion and enjoyed companionship with her for 14 years.

In the fall of 1943 he became sick and in spite of all help sought, his condition became worse until Saturday, Dec. 30, 1944, at 10:45 A. M. when his spirit left its earthly tabernacle and he went to receive his heavenly reward. He reached the age of 79 years, 7 months, and 26 days.

He leaves to mourn his death his beloved wife, two sisters, Mrs. Maria B. Koehn of Galva, Kansas, and Mrs. Lydia F. Schmidt of Wolf Point, Mont., and also a host of relatives and friends.

Burial was made Jan 2, 1945, at the Friendensberg Mennonite church south of Avon.

Rev. Ed. Duerksen and Rev. John Dirks of Tyndall officiated. Funeral services were held at the home at one o’clock with prayer, song and Scripture reading and remarks on Cor. 4: 8 – 18. At the church the service was as follows: Prayer by Rev. Duerksen; Scripture reading, 2 Cor. 5:11; song, “Shall we Meet”; message, Rev. John Dirks; text Ps. 48: 1 – 7; song by quartet; message by Rev. Duerksen, Rom. 6:11; song “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”; prayer, Rev. John Dirks. At the graveyard, reading of 1 Cor: 15:44 – 58 and prayer.

The bereaved widow, Mrs. Henry H. Dirks.