Fern Dirksen
d. December 25, 2019
Fern Josephine Dirksen was born on September 27, 1924, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the daughter of William and Esther (Stockdill) Allen. She was baptized on October 20, 1925, at the Congregational Church of Sleepy Eye. She later moved with her family to a farm in Chippewa County and attended country school in Grace Township.
Fern was united in marriage to Ben Dirksen on November 24, 1947, in the Bethany Reformed Church Parsonage in Clara City. The couple made their home on a farm in Crate Township and they were blessed with three children-Craig, Brenda and Kristie. Fern and Ben worked side by side on the farm and became a unified team operating their farm until 1983 when they retired and moved into Clara City.
Fern was a member of Bethany Reformed Church and also the Mother’s Club when her children were young. She was very creative; she could sew anything for her family and did. Fern loved to quilt and grow flowers. She could play the piano, accordion and harmonica by ear. Upon retirement, she became an avid bowler. Family meant so very much to Fern. She showed her affection by doing things for them and caring for their needs.
On Christmas Day 2019, Fern passed away at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo. She reached the age of 95 years, 2 months and 28 days.
Surviving family include her children, Craig (Ardis) Dirksen of Hutchinson, Brenda (Jon) Clauson of Montevideo, Kristie (Greg) Rhode of Clara City; grandchildren, Heidi (Tom) Darrah, Dave (Lana) Dirksen, Andy (Carrie) Clauson, Maggie Clauson, Jaci Clauson, Melanie (Fabian) Quito, Melissa (Matt) Kempfe, Candice (David) Grow; 13 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Fannie Seeman of Montevideo; brother-in-law, Oscar Hoaas of Montevideo; as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; parents, William and Esther Allen; daughter-in-law, Connie Dirksen; grandson, Steven Dirksen; 12 siblings and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.
Fern was united in marriage to Ben Dirksen on November 24, 1947, in the Bethany Reformed Church Parsonage in Clara City. The couple made their home on a farm in Crate Township and they were blessed with three children-Craig, Brenda and Kristie. Fern and Ben worked side by side on the farm and became a unified team operating their farm until 1983 when they retired and moved into Clara City.
Fern was a member of Bethany Reformed Church and also the Mother’s Club when her children were young. She was very creative; she could sew anything for her family and did. Fern loved to quilt and grow flowers. She could play the piano, accordion and harmonica by ear. Upon retirement, she became an avid bowler. Family meant so very much to Fern. She showed her affection by doing things for them and caring for their needs.
On Christmas Day 2019, Fern passed away at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo. She reached the age of 95 years, 2 months and 28 days.
Surviving family include her children, Craig (Ardis) Dirksen of Hutchinson, Brenda (Jon) Clauson of Montevideo, Kristie (Greg) Rhode of Clara City; grandchildren, Heidi (Tom) Darrah, Dave (Lana) Dirksen, Andy (Carrie) Clauson, Maggie Clauson, Jaci Clauson, Melanie (Fabian) Quito, Melissa (Matt) Kempfe, Candice (David) Grow; 13 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Fannie Seeman of Montevideo; brother-in-law, Oscar Hoaas of Montevideo; as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; parents, William and Esther Allen; daughter-in-law, Connie Dirksen; grandson, Steven Dirksen; 12 siblings and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.
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