Garth F. Dirksen

     Garth F. Dirksen, 95, passed away in the Aurora Medical Center-Kenosha, on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Mr. Dirksen was born in German Valley, IL, on September 17, 1917, to Edwin and Gladys (nee: Chichester) Dirksen.

     Mr. Dirksen proudly served with the Illinois State Rockford Reserve Militia. He lived in Pecatonica, IL from 1917 until moving to Racine in 1970. He had been employed by the J.I. Case Co., in the Engineering department, for over 45 years, retiring in 1982. Mr. Dirksen was a Master Mason of the A.W. Rawson Lodge #145 A.F. and A.M., Patron of the Eastern Star St. Elmo Chapter #460, the White Shrine and the First Congregational Church  in Pecatonica, IL. He was also a member of the Case 20 Year Club and the Mt. Pleasant Men’s Schafskopf Club, both in Racine, WI. Mr. Dirksen enjoyed gardening, travel, cards, golfing and bowling. He was a member and volunteer for Adaptive Sportsmen Inc., as well as being a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.

    Surviving are his wife, Dottie, along with six children, Linda (Ronald) Mitchell, Gerry Thompson, Sue (Dale) Eckburg, Gordon (Marcia) Dirksen, Jeffrey (Linda) Dirksen, and Laurie (Lt. Daniel) Wolff. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 1  great-great grandchild, a brother, Jack (Lois) Dirksen, sister-in-law, Ida Dirksen, mother-in-law Delores Ricchio, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Dirksen was preceded in death by daughter and son-in-law Virginia and Neal Erdahl, son-in-law Daniel Thompson, daughter-in-law Sally Dirksen, sister, Vivian Hamilton, brothers, and sister-in-law, Rolland and Beryl Dirksen and Merlyn Dirksen, and father-in-law Almondo Ricchio.

   A memorial service, celebrating his life, will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, March 16^th, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Ronald Gramza officiating. Visitation will start at 12:00p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family.