Dirks, Peter (1859-1930)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1930 Aug 28 p. 13

Birth date: 1859 Mar 24

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1930 Jul 9 [incorrectly printed as Jun 9] p. 5

text of obituary:

Peter Dirks

Peter Dirks, youngest son of Wilhelm and Susanna Dirks, was born in Molotschna, Dorf Gnadenfeld, Russia, on the 24th day of March, 1859. On the 28th day of May 1878 he was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The lot of the family was that of poor circumstances and it meant much and hard work, toiling long hours each day. On the 24th day of June 1883 he was married to Katharina Plenert. To them were born 7 children of which the youngest died in infancy. On the 14th day of Feb. 1895 his devoted wife was taken from his side through death leaving to him the 6 children motherless, the oldest 11 years of age. On the 11th day of June 1895 he was married to Elizabeth Klassen who also accepted the duty as a mother to the children. To this union were born 8 children of which 2 died in childhood, the one on Board ship while enroute to America and was buried on high sea, the other died in Quebec, Canada while there detained for some time upon landing. In this last marriage union it was their privilege to live together for 35 years and 12 days.

In the year of 1906 they left Russia coming to America for their future home. Two of the children remaind [sic] in Russia, the one son followed later, but one daughter is still living in Russia. Great hardships were endured on this trip. In Liverpool, England the family was divided, the father and three children compelled to leave on one ship, while the mother and 7 children could leave but 5 weeks later and it was the experience of the mother to bury the one child on high sea. Arriving in Quebec, the family could be united again but for a brief time only when again, due to sickness a division was necessary and in a scattered manner in a new country they were compelled on to their new home. The father and 5 children arriving in Tiflis, Washington July 30, 1906 while 2 of the children had gone in advance and the mother with the rest of the children later arriving about Aug. 14, but again to first bury another child in Quebec. At the services of both the father could not be present. The family now lived on a farm in Tiflis until Feb. 1, 1925 when then moved to Ruff.

Brother Dirks is one of the charter members of the Salem Mennonite Church here in Ruff when it was organized in the Tiflis District. He is also the first member of the church whose funeral services are being conducted from this present church building which was dedicated July 14, 1918.

Thruout his life he suffered continually more or less, and especially so with an affliction of his eyes. This last spring he had an attack of pneumonia. He never rallied entirely. Several weeks later, since his ailment apparently grew more serious, the doctor was finally consulted who also declared that he had cancer of the liver, finally dropsy also set in. He suffered intense pain especially the last two days. His prayer was, “Lord have mercy with me.” Very quietly and in his sleep he passed away Monday afternoon, June 23, at 4:30. He has attained an age of 71 years, 2 months 29 days. He leaves to mourn his departure his widow, 12 children, 4 daughters and 8 sons. His first wife and 3 children preceded him in death. One daughter lives in Russia but was not heard from or more than a year due to existing conditions there. One daughter in California was not able to be present at the funeral of the father. The 10 children with the mother are present to take the earthly remains of the father and husband to his last resting place. He leaves 25 grandchildren living, 5 preceding him in death, 5 daughters-in-law and 4 sons-in-law. He being the youngest in his family o brothers and sisters is also the last one to depart from this earth, only one brother-in-law outlives him and a number of relatives and friends.

They mourn not as such who have no hope, but assured that he has gone home to rest, safe in the arms of Jesus.

Funeral services were conducted from the Salem Mennonite church at Russ, Washington, Wed. June 25, exactly 2 years later than that of his former pastor, Bro. D. D. King. Interment in the cemetary [sic] 2½ miles north of Ruff. Rev. M. J. Galle his present pastor conducting the services and speaking words of comfort.

The Mennonite obituary: 1930 Jul 24 p. 14