Connie Dirksen
d. January 2, 2018
Connie Kay Dirksen was born on Dec. 17, 1951, in Brown County near New Ulm, MN, the daughter of Donald A. and Verna M. (Radel) Penkert. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm, MN and attended St. Paul’s elementary school, graduated from New Ulm High School and continued her education at Willmar Vo-Tec.
On May 20, 1972, Connie was united in marriage to Craig Dirksen at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm, MN. From 1972 to 1990, Connie was a floral designer for Hemstad Greenhouse in Montevideo, MN. She also worked at R & R Bakery and Herberger’s clothing store.
The most important thing in Connie’s life was family; children & grandchildren. Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2009, her concern was for how it would affect the family. She enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s games/activities and cheering them on. There was never a holiday or occasion that passed without a greeting card from Connie. She was fun loving, smart, brave, optimistic and generous. She loved without boundaries and centered her life around Christ.
Connie was an avid Twins and Timberwolves fan. She also enjoyed bowling and gave of her time to civic organizations and Bethany Reformed Church.
On Tuesday Jan. 2, 2018, while in the loving presence of family, Connie passed away peacefully at her home. She was 66 years of age.
Surviving family include her husband Craig; her children Heidi (& Tom) Darrah and Dave (& Lana) Dirksen; 3 brothers Gary Penkert, Denny (& Sue) Penkert and Paul (& Pam) Penkert; mother-in-law Fern Dirksen; sisters-in-law Brenda (& Jon) Clauson and Kristie (& Greg) Rhode; 6 grandchildren Jaime, Hailey, Lino, Jaden, Kayla and Gavin; 2 aunts and uncles; nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son Steven Scott Dirksen and father-in-law Ben Dirksen.
On May 20, 1972, Connie was united in marriage to Craig Dirksen at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm, MN. From 1972 to 1990, Connie was a floral designer for Hemstad Greenhouse in Montevideo, MN. She also worked at R & R Bakery and Herberger’s clothing store.
The most important thing in Connie’s life was family; children & grandchildren. Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2009, her concern was for how it would affect the family. She enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s games/activities and cheering them on. There was never a holiday or occasion that passed without a greeting card from Connie. She was fun loving, smart, brave, optimistic and generous. She loved without boundaries and centered her life around Christ.
Connie was an avid Twins and Timberwolves fan. She also enjoyed bowling and gave of her time to civic organizations and Bethany Reformed Church.
On Tuesday Jan. 2, 2018, while in the loving presence of family, Connie passed away peacefully at her home. She was 66 years of age.
Surviving family include her husband Craig; her children Heidi (& Tom) Darrah and Dave (& Lana) Dirksen; 3 brothers Gary Penkert, Denny (& Sue) Penkert and Paul (& Pam) Penkert; mother-in-law Fern Dirksen; sisters-in-law Brenda (& Jon) Clauson and Kristie (& Greg) Rhode; 6 grandchildren Jaime, Hailey, Lino, Jaden, Kayla and Gavin; 2 aunts and uncles; nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son Steven Scott Dirksen and father-in-law Ben Dirksen.
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