After a long and full life, Arzella
Dirksen, 89, passed away on October 10, 2022.
Arzella was born on March 2, 1933 in
Goessel, Kansas to Eva and Jacob P. Nikkel. She grew up with her five
siblings and parents on various farms and homes in the area around
North Newton, Kansas. Arzella married Melvin A. Dirksen on October
18, 1953. Following their marriage, they chose to live in Colorado.
They loved the mountains and also stayed so Melvin could continue
participating with the alternative 1-W Service Program, thanks to
their faith with the Mennonite Church and abiding belief in peace.
During the next nine years their family grew to include three
children ? Jim, Jan and Suzanne.
For many years, Arzella and Mel found
their place at First Mennonite Church in Denver and enjoyed many
shared friendships through that connection until Mel?s death in
2012. They also shared many sustaining friendships throughout the
years with neighbors during the 53 years in their Leyden Street home.
The relationships with all of their siblings and families in Kansas
and beyond were special and important to Arzella and Mel. In their
later years together, the two of them enjoyed many travels to, among
other places, San Diego, San Francisco, Honolulu, and all over
Oregon, Alaska, Germany, and France. On her own, Arzella especially
enjoyed Italy, Thailand and Mexico.
Arzella discovered a new hobby late in
life and also found common ground with Mel on the golf course. They
spent hours together at Kennedy and Wellshire Golf Courses. Arzella
was especially thrilled by the hole-in-one she made with her Ladies
League at Kennedy!
Arzella?s greatest source of pride
was her time with the HelpCenter at Channel 4 until the mid 80?s,
as well as having been with the Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol Auxiliary.
And in her later years, Arzella?s farm roots and people skills
shined brightly again with her involvement with Denver Urban Gardens
at the nearby Ash Grove / Cook Park Garden.
Arzella is survived by many relatives,
and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jim Dirksen,
his daughter Kristen Larason, her husband Jon & daughter Millie;
daughter Jan Williams & her husband Kirk, son Jordan & his
wife Melissa & their daughters Addison & Emerson; daughter
Suzanne Opp & her husband Jeff with their family Alec, Ellie, Ted
& Griffin.
Brookdale Highlands Ranch has been
Arzella?s home since 2017 and the family wishes to express their
deep appreciation for the abundant kindness and care given to Mother
during that time, as well as to all of the people with Bristol
Hospice for their incredible support and kindness during the last
four months.
The plans for a celebration of life in
the spring are pending and will be announced at a later time, with
internment to follow in Goessel, Kansas at Alexanderwohl Mennonite
Church Cemetery. Mother loved the many wonderful volunteers she
worked with throughout the years and she also loved horseback riding.
To honor those bountiful joys for her, donations in Arzella?s
memory may be made to Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center at 873
Lake Gulch Road, Castle Rock, CO 80104 (PRTR.org) or Denver Urban
Gardens (dug.org/).
