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 n 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