Dirks, Nicholas (1909-1976)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 Dec 10 p. 32

Birth date: 1909 Feb 15

text of obituary:

NICHOLAS P. DIRKS

Nicholas P . Dirks, son of Rev. Peter and Katharina (nee Janzen) Dirks was born February 15, 1909 in Franztal, southern Russia. Here he received his education and Christian training. He was baptized on June 21, 1975 in Franztal and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church. The family moved to Canada in 1926 and settled on a farm near Rosser, Man. On April 2, 1934 he and Annie Driediger were married and moved to B.C. Here they settled on a farm in Greendale and also joined the Greendale Mennonite Brethren Church, where he enjoyed the fellowship and singing in the choir.

Because of a lung condition Nick gave up farming and drove truck until his retirement. In 1972 the Dirks moved to Chilliwack. He never fully recovered from a lung operation one and a half years ago, and, after a heart attack, the Lord called him home on November 11.

Pastor Harry Heidebrecht and Dave Froese officiated at the memorial service at the Greendale Church on November 16. Mr. Dirks was predeceased by an infant son; two sisters and his oldest brother.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Annie; his three sons, Elmer and Norma, Victor and Martha, and Glen and Suzanne, all of whom live in B.C.; one daughter, Judith (Mrs. Fred) Krahn of Abbotsford; six grandchildren; one sister, Sarah (Mrs. John) Martens; and two brothers, Jake of Abbotsford and George in Chilliwack; and many relatives and friends.