Dirks, Helena Becker (1870-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Nov 15 p. 8

Birth date: 1870 Oct 26

text of obituary:

HELENA BECKER DIRKS

Helena Becker Dirks, daughter of Rev. Peter P. and Maria Richert Becker, was born Oct. 26, 1870 in Karleswald [sic Karolswalde], Russia, the oldest in a family of ten. In 1874, at the age of four, she migrated to the United States with her parents and in the spring of 1875 they settled on a homestead in Turner County, S. D., west of the present town of Marion.

Due to their pioneer life and the lack of public schools, her formal education was very limited, but home instruction as well as her interest in God's Word gave her a good knowledge of the Bible. A large store of hymns and poems were learned from memory.

On June 14, 1886, she was baptized upon her confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by her father, Rev. Peter P. Becker. She was much concerned for the spiritual welfare of others, especially in her later years.

On May 20, 1890, she was united in marriage to Friederich Dirks. Together they shared the trials and joys of pioneer life and God blessed them in their efforts. Since their marriage was childless they accepted Frank and Alexander Deckert as their foster children in 1900. They gave these boys Christian nurture.

Mr. Dirks died June 28, 1942, concluding more than 52 years of married life. They had been greatly interested in welfare work and made this their mission. They contributed to the relief of the suffering ones in Russia during the years of famine and distress after World War I. Many have been blessed and are thankful for their kind work and help.

Mr. and Mrs. Dirks attended the Becker-Schartner church for many years after their marriage, but later attended the Bethesda church. For more than 14 years Mrs. Dirks lived alone. In 1955 she underwent an operation. On August 30 she fell and broke her hip and was taken to the hospital. She departed this life Sunday forenoon, Sept. 16, at 11:30 reaching the age of 85 years, 10 months and 20 days.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and four sisters, as well as by her husband.

She leaves to mourn her departure her two foster sons, their wives and children, one nephew and four nieces, and relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted Sept. 20 at the Walter funeral home in Freeman and the Bethesda church near Marion with Rev. T. A. van der Smissen and Rev. Jake Stobbe officiating. Songs were sung by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Decker and a mixed quartet composed of Jake, Caroline and Tena Schartner and Jesse Hofer, with Mrs. Theo. Hofer as organist.