OREGON – Donald E. Dirksen, age 85, died peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at his home near Oregon, IL. Don was born July 13, 1938 at the family home in Oregon, IL the son of Ernest and Ethel (Holby) Dirksen. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1957. He married Gail J. (Hayenga) Meyers on August 1, 1970 in Oregon. Don worked over 20 years for Farm Services as a Yard Foreman, retiring in 2001. He also worked as a carpenter and farmer. He worked for Dean Dye doing construction during the remodeling of the Conover Square Mall. He also would help his children with their many projects. In his spare time, Don loved to do woodworking, drive around and keep track of the local farmers’ fields, tend to his flower gardens, and lend a helping hand to his family and friends. Don built his own home and outbuildings over the years. He was an avid Cubs fan and liked to attend all the family sporting events he could. He was known by name at the local Sunrise Family Restaurant. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Ethel Dirksen, his wife Gail, his son Dean Dirksen, his sister Mary Barnhart and brother-in-law Ruben Barnhart, III. Don is survived by his children Susan Strickler of Oregon, IL; Julie (Glenn) Logan of Winnebago, IL; Nancy (Ronald) Boyden of Martin, TN; Doug (Diane) Meyers of Lost Nation, IL; Melody (Steve) Kirchner of Lake Geneva, WI; and Denise (Michael) Leonard of Oak Grove, KY; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street in Oregon, IL with the Rev. Michael Hoffman pastor of the Oregon Church of God officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening at the funeral home from 5-7 PM. Burial will be at the White Rock Cemetery near Kings, IL. A memorial fund is established in Don’s name for Serenity Hospice and Home. Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Don.
