Jolene Elvira Dirksen

Newton-Jolene Elvira Dirksen died at her home in Newton on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the age of 71. She was born in Goessel, Kansas 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, Kansas, 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 held at Goessel Mennonite Church on Saturday December 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.

Jolene Elvira Dirksen

May 30, 1942 - November 20, 2013