Dirksen, Peter H. (1865-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 25 p. 6

Birth date: 1865 May 8

text of obituary:

. . .

— Peter H. Dirksen, who was born in Russia May 8, 1865, died at his home on Southeast Second street Sunday, Dec. 21. He was a member of the First Mennonite church where funeral services will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2:00, Rev. D. J. Unruh and Rev. J. E. Entz officiating. He is survived by his wife, four sons and four daughters, Mrs. H. P. Schroeder and Mrs. Marvin Schroeder of Newton, Mrs. A. J. Schroeder of Moundridge, Mrs. Leo Osborn of Manhattan, Menno, Theo. and Roland Dirksen of Moundridge, and P. K. Dirksen of Oraibi, Ariz.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jan 8 p. 9, 10

text of obituary:

PETER H. DIRKSEN

Peter H. Dirksen, son of Heinrich and Elizabeth (Franz) Dirksen, was born at Alexanderwohl, South Russia on May 8, 1865, and died at his home in Newton, Kansas on Dec. 21, 1952, at the age of 87 years, seven months and 13 days.

When he was nine years old his parents together with many others left their home in Russia and migrated to America. They settled in McPherson county, Kansas where he grew up and received his Christian education under Rev. Peter Balzer. He enjoyed his school days and loved his teacher. In later life he often spoke of those joyful days and the pioneering experiences.

On May 26, 1890, he was baptized on his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour from sin by Elder Jacob Buller and became a member of the Alexanderwohl Mennonite church. When the Goessel Mennonite church was organized in 1920 he became a member there. Upon his retirement from the farm in 1936, Mr. and Mrs. Dirksen moved to Newton and shortly thereafter they transferred their membership to the First Mennonite church in Newton where he remained a member until the time of his death.

On December 19, 1893, he was united in marriage to Aganetha Krause with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of life for 59 years and one day. To this union four sons and five daughters were born. One daughter died in infancy. His parents, one brother, two sisters and three grandchildren preceded him in death.

In 1943 Bro. and Sister Dirksen were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary which was one of the highlights of the family experiences.

Bro. Dirksen was active until about seven years ago when his hip was broken in a car accident, from which he never fully recovered. During the last few years he became blind and his hearing was greatly impaired. About 20 months ago he had a stroke which left him partialy [sic] paralyzed. He greatly appreciated the loving and tender care of his wife and one of his last concerns was that she might have the tender care which she had given him.

Bro. Dirksen loved to read the Bible and loved to talk about its great truths. He was deeply concerned about spiritual and moral problems. When he could no longer see to read and it became very difficult for him to hear he often expressed the wish to go Home to be with Jesus and to see what he here believed.

On Sunday afternoon he expressed a desire to lie down to rest. While preparing to lie down he uttered a cry of pain and then quietly slipped away to be with the Lord. Absent from the body, present with the Lord.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Agnetha [sic Aganetha], and the following children: Augusta [sic Auguste] and her husband, P. H. P. Schroeder, Newton; Elizabeth and her husband A. J. Schroeder; Menno and wife, Mrs. Dirksen, Moundridge; Theodore and wife, Mrs. Dirksen, Moundridge; Anna and her husband, Marvin A. Schroeder, Newton, Peter K. and wife, Mrs. Dirksen, Oraibi, Ariz.; Mathilda and husband L. H. Osbourn [sic Osbourne], Manhattan, Kansas, Roland and Mrs. Dirksen, Moundridge. Nineteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends also mourn his passing.