Jolene Elvira Dirksen
Obituary
Jolene Elvira Dirksen died at her home in Newton on
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at the age of 71.
She was born in Goessel on May 30, 1942, to Menno and Edna
(Epp) Dirksen.
Family members preceding her in death are her parents;
sisters, Geneva (Otto) Bartel and Dolores (Marlin) Unruh; and brother, Kermit
Dirksen.
Survivors include her brother, Larry (Marybeth) Dirksen of
California; sister-in-law, Francis Dirksen of Marion; and numerous cousins,
nieces, nephews and their families.
Even with mental and physical limitations, Jolene was able
to reside at home with her parents until shortly after her mother's death when
her father moved to a nursing home. She then started living under the auspices
of Northview Developmental Services and later ResCare. Jolene lived in various
settings and group homes in the Goessel, Hesston and Newton communities.
As a young girl she attended elementary school, which she
thoroughly enjoyed. In her youth she was baptized and became a member of the
Goessel Mennonite Church, where she continued to hold membership at the time of
her passing. While her life experiences never took her very far from the
community where she was born, the many people whose lives she touched remember
her as a friendly and fun loving person.
Nieces and nephews remember her as patient, attentive, a
good listener, helpful, and always ready to cheer others with a smile or a laugh.
Jolene was also a caregiver, concerned about the comfort and well-being of
others, even those providing her with the care she needed to the end of her
life.
A memorial service will be at Goessel Mennonite Church on
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Brad Penner leading. Final
arrangements are being handled by Miller-Ott Funeral Home, with inurnment at
the Goessel Mennonite Church Cemetery.
The family wishes to express our gratitude and appreciation
to all those whose efforts helped guide and direct Jolene's life. Jolene and
her family have been truly blessed to have all of you helping and providing.
Memorials may be made to Goessel Mennonite Church Education
Department, in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Goessel.
