Herbert Dirksen

Herbert Frank Dirksen, 89, of Uvalde, Texas, passed away at home surrounded by his family amid prayer and song on March 23, 2013. Herbert was born at home February 23, 1924, in Casella, Ohio to Philomena Homan and Clarence Dirksen. He married Mary Catherine Fischer June 17, 1950.. Together they had 11 children, 26 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather.
Herbert was a dairy farmer in Mercer County Ohio for 19 years. He began on a family farm with his father. Herb and Mary moved to Uvalde in August of 1969 where he farmed for 27 years in Frio Town. He was active in the community and served as President of the National Farmers Organization, President of the Farm Bureau, Charter member of the Uvalde Knippa Coop, Charter Member of Frio Foods and Winter Garden Growers along many other agricultural organizations.
Herbert had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Uvalde. He sang for many years in the church and community choir, taught Religious Education and served as an extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of the Downtown Mens Bible Study and Dr. Shuddes Bible Study. Herbert served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Council and is an honorary life member. He was District Deputy of the Knight of Columbus for two terms. He started four Knights of Columbus Councils in Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Crystal City, and La Pryor which earned him the Don Quixote Award. He served as Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus 4th degree Owen Lewis Assembly. He was willing to share his faith with all.
Herbert is survived by his wife Mary Dirksen, children Irene Light and husband Randy of College Station, their children Julie Boytim and husband Edward, Susan Farmer and husband Chris, David Light and wife April Kathy Bendele and husband Ray of Kingsville, their children Clint Bendele and wife Stacey, Melissa Wyman and husband Bill Katie Hughes and husband Matt Jacob Bendele and wife Lindsey Ann Catron of San Antonio and her children Gretchen Catron, Heather Catron, Amanda Catron Jane Collins and husband Ronnie of Uvalde and children Brad Dimmitt and wife Brittany, Nathan Dimmitt and wife Lori, Benjamin Dimmitt Marge Dunlap and husband Doug of San Antonio, their children Dirk Dunlap and wife Christina, Zach Dunlap, Lela Dunlap Joan Koop and her husband Hermes of Naples, Fl, their children Andree Koop, Hans Koop, Nico Koop, Anneke Koop Linda Dirksen of Orlando, Fl Beth Andres of Uvalde, her children Seth Andres, Isaac Andres, Adam Andres Ken Dirksen and wife Barby of Uvalde, their children Matt Dirksen, Will Dirksen, and twenty three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by children James Dirksen and Mary Dirksen, and grandson Michael Catron.
Pallbearers were Clint Bendele, Jacob Bendele, Matt Dirksen, Will Dirksen, David Light, and Hans Koop, Honorary Pallbearers were Brad Dimmitt, Nathan Dimmit, Dirk Dunlap, Zach Dunlap, Andree Koop, Nico Koop, Seth Andres, and Isaac Andres.
Altar Servers were Adam Andres, Sam Eddy, Matt Sagemuehl and Isak Reyes.
The Vigil service was Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 7:00pm. The Mass of Resurrection was at 10:00 am, Wednesday, March 27 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A reception celebrating his life was held after the mass at the home of Jane and Ronnie Collins.
Memorials can be made to Uvalde Memorial Hospital Auxiliary or Uvalde Hospice.

Visitation

RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary
220 S. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Monday, March 25, 2013
5:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
408 Ft. Clark Rd.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
10:00 a.m.

Rosary

RushingEstesKnowles Mortuary
220 S. Getty St.
Uvalde, TX  78801
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
7:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Hillcrest Cemetery
Hwy. 90 West
Uvalde, TX  78801

Memorial Contributions

124 Royal Lane
Uvalde, TX  78801


1025 Garner Field Rd.
Uvalde, TX  78801