Dirks, Ernest (d. 1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Mar 13 p. 3

Birth date:

text of obituary:

Minister Stricken In Pulpit

MIN. ERNEST DIRKS OF BONNERS FERRY, IDAHO DIES IN CALIFORNIA

Winton, Calif. — The sudden death of Min. Ernest Dirks of Bonners Ferry, Idaho during the morning service at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite here on Sunday, March 2, came as a shock to the congregation here as well as to the family and his many friends in other communities.

Min. Dirks rose to give the morning sermon, and after reading his text and saying a few words, he suddenly slumped to the floor behind the pulpit. He passed away without uttering another word.

The local fire department was called and applied a pulmotor for about 20 minutes, but to no avail. The services were dismissed.

Min. Dirks had come here during the previous week to attend a meeting of ministers and deacons from the California and Idaho congregations. The large church was filled nearly to capacity for the Sunday morning service. His wife's parents and some of her sisters were among those in the audience. However, Mrs. Dirks and the children had remained in Bonners Ferry.

The body was returned to Bonners Ferry for the final services and burial.