Emil Dirks
Emil Dirks, 91, longtime Marion County resident, died Feb. 19, 2003, at Newton Medical Center.
Born Aug. 30, 1911, in rural Tampa, he was the son of Enoch and Hannah (Koehn) Dirks.
On March 13, 1934, he married Orpha Unruh. In 1944 they moved to Idaho where he farmed and engaged in logging with his brother for 1 1/2 years before returning to Kansas. They lived northwest of Durham where he farmed and did carpentry until retiring and moving to Goessel in 1994.
He was a member of the Friendenstal Mennonite Church which is currently Central Heights Mennonite Church. He enjoyed reading, spending time outdoors and visiting with friends and neighbors.
Survivors include his wife of Bethesda Home in Goessel; sons, DeWayne and wife Elvera of Berryton and Dennis and wife Cindy of Gypsum; daughters, Kathleen Wilson of Spokane, Wash., and Gloria and husband Gary Rediger of Newton; brother, Abe Dirks of Brooksville, Miss.; sisters, Helen Wiebe of Moundridge, Marjorie Unruh and Doris Jantz, both of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; seven grandchildren; two step grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Stanley Dirks; four brothers; one sister; and two grandsons.
Funeral services were held Saturday at Central Heights Mennonite Church with Pastor Walter Friesen officiating. Burial was at Peace Valley Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for Bethesda Home in Goessel and Mennonite Central Committee in care of Miller Funeral Home in Goessel.
