Dirks, Peter S. (1888-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Apr 2 p. 6

Birth date: 1888 Mar 23

text of obituary:

. . .

— Word has been received here of the death of Peter S. Dirks. 65, farmer of the Great Bend community and native of Halstead, who passed away Monday night at a Lamed hospital. He is survived by his wife, Bertha; a daughter Marie of the home; two sons, Waldo of Peoria, Ill. and James of Pawnee Rock; and 10 brothers and sisters.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Apr 16 p. 9

text of obituary:

PETER S. DIRKS

Peter S. Dirks, son of Andrew K. Dirks and Caroline Unruh Dirks, was born at Halstead, Kansas, on March 23, 1888. He lived there during his childhood and youth. On August 22, 1909, he joined the Mennonite church at Halstead through baptism by his pastor, Rev. J. H. Langenwalter.

On February 22, 1913, he was united in marriage with Bertha Smith, a member of the Bergtal Mennonite church of Pawnee Rock, Kans. Happily they lived together and on February 26, just shortly before his death, they celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary.

In August 1916 he and his family moved to Pawnee Rock and they settled on a farm north of town. He continued to farm until his death. After moving to Larned on October 17, 1948, he engaged in carpentry work in addition to his farming interests.

On March 23, 1953, he suffered a heart attack. He was taken to the St. Joseph's hospital at Larned where he quietly passed away a week later, March 30, at 9:35 p.m., reaching the age of 65 years and seven days.

He was preceded in death by two sons and one daughter.

He leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife, Bertha; a son, Waldo, his wife, Edna, and their children, Kenneth, Judy, and Marsha; a second son, James, his wife, Eldean, their son, Dean Allen; and a daughter, Marie, of the home. He leaves also four brothers and six sisters: Mrs. Emil Seiler and Rev. A. J. Dirks of Halstead; Henry Dirks, Quincy, Ill.; Mrs. P. P. Tschetter, Kingman; Miss Eva Dirks, Mrs. L. G. Little, and Mrs. M. P. Unruh, all of Wichita; Rev: Ben Dirks of Salmon, Idaho; Mrs. Ben Smith, Fredonia; and Herman Dirks of Burrton, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Pete had a heavy burden to bear, but no matter how heavy the cross or how dark and dreary the day, he could still sing. He loved to sing and served gladly in this capacity. He maintained a Christian home for which his family is very appreciative. He was a good father and husband and to those who knew him well, he leaves a challenge of patience, loyalty, and love.

A short service was held Friday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m. at the home. Rev. Phillip Wedel from the Alexanderwohl church gave a short message of comfort and encouragement. At 2:30 p.m. the memorial service was continued at the Bergtal church north of Pawnee Rock, of which the deceased had been a faithful member since he moved here from Halstead. Elder Emeritus J. B. Schmidt made opening remarks, followed by the sermon and closing prayer by Rev. Phillip Wedel. Mrs. Virgil Dirks and Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Sperling sang at the service. Rev. Wedel also officiated at the graveside service. Members of the congregation sang, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again."

Pall bearers were Charles and Virgil Smith, Ralph Buller, Allen Smith, Marvin Smith, and Earl Schmidt. Interment was made in the church cemetery.

The family had requested that no flowers be sent, but that gifts be used for missions.