Dirks, Jacob (1888-1968)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1968 Jun 14 p. 19

Birth date: 1888 Jul 22

text of obituary:

JACOB DIRKS

Jacob Dirks, son of Benjamin and Helen Dirks was born in Turner County, South Dakota, on July 22, 1888. As a lad of 11 he migrated to Canada with his parents. They settled 20 miles west of Rosthern, Sask.

In 1905 he accepted Christ as his Saviour, and was baptized by Rev. Henry A. Goossen on June 19 of the same year. He was received into the fellowship of the Salem Krimmer MB Church of Waldheim.

On July 13, 1911, he was united in holy matrimony to Susanna Lutke, daughter of Peter D. Lutke. Together they shared common joys and sorrows until, 52 years later, she passed away. They were blessed with eight children. The second child, Elsie (Mrs. Walter Strobel) predeceased her parents in the fall of 1951.

In 1945 they moved into Waldheim and became active members of the church there. After the death of his wife in 1963, Mr. Dirks lived with his children until December, 1966, when he was admitted into the Dalmeny Home for the Aged.

He enjoyed good health until the last years. On April 22, he was taken to the Saskatoon City Hospital. A week later April 27, he passed away.

He leaves behind, his children: Menno of Regina, Sylvester of Dalmeny, Martha (Mrs. Ernest Lepp) and Josephine (Mrs. Edwin Peters) both of Dalmeny, Arthur of Selkirk (Man.), Rueben of Oakley (Kansas) and Viola (Mrs. Raymond Thomson) of Vancouver; 26 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren; and sister, Nettie (Mrs. Cornelius Loewen) of St. Catharines.

All who knew him will remember him as a quiet, honest, God-fearing Bible-loving gentleman, who practised what he believed and was interested in helping to make known his faith.