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In Loving Memory

Dirksen, George E.

George E. Dirksen, age 77, a former longtime resident of Naperville, IL passed away on Thursday, January 14th, 2021 at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born July 30, 1943 in Urbana, IL.

Beloved husband of Diane M. Dirksen (nee Peradotto) of 53 years, whom he married on January 13, 1968; dear brother of Jim (Gayle) Dirksen, Jeanne (Michael) Fiorita, and Jeff Dirksen; brother-in-law of Dr. John (Marlene) Peradotto; respected father of Joshua (Michelle) Dirksen and Jonathan (Heather) Dirksen; father-in-law of Mark Herrick; favorite uncle of the Honorable Erin Peradotto, Monica (Michel) Cassier, Noreen (Dave) Castellano, Nicole Peradotto, Courtney (Tim Bourn) Dirksen, Ryan Dirksen, Eric (Jessi) Dirksen, Mike E. Fiorita, Jenna (Ben) Schuyler, Rhea Fiorita and Kathryn Fiorita; beloved Pop Pop to Molly Dirksen, Madeline Dirksen, Amelia Dirksen and Avery Dirksen.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Rhea (nee Ensign) Dirksen; his sister, Mary K. Dirksen; his brother-in-law the Rev. Richard Peradotto; and his dear daughter, Melissa (nee Dirksen) Herrick.

George grew up in Decatur, IL, graduating from St. Theresa High School in 1961 and later served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965. He went on to study mathematics at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, graduating in 1970, and obtained his Masters Degree in Organizational Behavior from George Williams College in 1985. He and Diane made Naperville their home in 1968, raising their three children before moving to Oswego and ultimately landing in St. Louis, to be near their grandchildren. He was a long-time member of St. Raphael’s Church in Naperville. He loved music, was an avid runner in his younger days and began his love of soccer by coaching Naperville Youth Soccer in the late 1970’s. He traded in his coaching shoes for a referee whistle and was a highly respected and consummate youth, high school and college referee for 25 years. George also had a passion for Native American studies and made many visits to reservations so he could participate in native traditions of the various tribes he studied.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 22, 2021 from 3:00-7:00PM at Kutis Funeral Home (South County Chapel), 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., Mehlville, MO 63129. Current health guidelines state that no more than 25 individuals at a time may pay their respects to the family inside the parlor, and guests are required to wear masks and follow social distancing procedures. For those unable or uncomfortable traveling due to Covid regulations and guidelines, we will also have a memorial service in Naperville later this year.

Family and friends will meet for a funeral mass to be celebrated on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:00AM at St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church, 11011 Mueller Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center (http://aktalakota.stjo.org/) or the St. Louis Area Foodbank (https://stlfoodbank.org/).

 

Condolences

58 thoughts on “Dirksen, George E.”

  1. Diane, Josh and Jon,
    We were so so saddened to hear the news of George’s passing. Out hearts are heavy today and we’ll be keeping you in our daily prayers.
    The CFC-Mueller’s have such fond memories of George and your family from the ’70’s & ’80’s. We were blessed to share such good times w/ your family.
    I pass along this Psalm that the Schell family passed on to me & my family 15 years ago:
    Psalm 34:18
    The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
    May the Peace and Grace of God be with you today and everyday.
    pax-
    Marty and the entire Mueller family

    Reply
  2. Diane, Josh and Jon,
    We were so so saddened to hear the news of George’s passing. Out hearts are heavy today and we’ll be keeping you in our daily prayers.
    The CFC-Mueller’s have such fond memories of George and your family from the ’70’s & ’80’s. We were blessed to share such good times w/ your family.
    I pass along this Psalm that the Schell family passed on to me & my family 15 years ago:
    Psalm 34:18
    The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
    May the Peace and Grace of God be with you today and everyday.
    pax-
    Marty and the entire Mueller family

    Reply
  3. Diane and family, my most sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear husband and father! May he rest in heavenly peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
    God Bless!!

    Reply
  4. Diane and family, my most sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear husband and father! May he rest in heavenly peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
    God Bless!!

    Reply
  5. Dear Diane and family;
    Can’t seem to express my sadness for your loss. George was a great man and you and he were an amazing couple. You have Dennis’ and my deepest sympathy George is in our prayers and thoughts as well as you and your family. May God grant you peace.

    Reply
  6. Dear Diane and family;
    Can’t seem to express my sadness for your loss. George was a great man and you and he were an amazing couple. You have Dennis’ and my deepest sympathy George is in our prayers and thoughts as well as you and your family. May God grant you peace.

    Reply
  7. So sorry for the loss of your dear George. I know that he was much loved by many. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. Love, Deborah Morse(Grandma Debbie)

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  8. So sorry for the loss of your dear George. I know that he was much loved by many. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. Love, Deborah Morse(Grandma Debbie)

    Reply
  9. Dear Diane and family,

    In all of George’s journeying with you, and with so many of us, to Earth’s Holy Spaces of Kin-dom Wisdom, especially his favorite one of being at home with you, he has now breathed himself into Infinity’s Inter-Being as ONE WITH ALL. May his wholeness and union be ever present with you, among you, and with all of us who love him and you so dearly, now and forever.

    In communion with you,
    Georgene

    Reply
  10. Dear Diane and family,

    In all of George’s journeying with you, and with so many of us, to Earth’s Holy Spaces of Kin-dom Wisdom, especially his favorite one of being at home with you, he has now breathed himself into Infinity’s Inter-Being as ONE WITH ALL. May his wholeness and union be ever present with you, among you, and with all of us who love him and you so dearly, now and forever.

    In communion with you,
    Georgene

    Reply
  11. We @ 621 Clover Ct. will always remember George as a kind-hearted neighbor, amazing Family Man, and sincere and passionate with his Faith Life. We were all BLESSED to know him and better for it.

    Reply
  12. We @ 621 Clover Ct. will always remember George as a kind-hearted neighbor, amazing Family Man, and sincere and passionate with his Faith Life. We were all BLESSED to know him and better for it.

    Reply
  13. Dear Diane and family

    So shocked to hear of of George dying. Your entire family meant much to our family in our early Naperville years. You all were part of our sense of community there George was a man I respected for the values he carried in his heart. I always enjoyed talking to him. I hope to be at his planned memorial when it will be held in Naperville.

    Reply
  14. Dear Diane and family

    So shocked to hear of of George dying. Your entire family meant much to our family in our early Naperville years. You all were part of our sense of community there George was a man I respected for the values he carried in his heart. I always enjoyed talking to him. I hope to be at his planned memorial when it will be held in Naperville.

    Reply
  15. Diane, Josh, Michelle and Family
    I send my heart felt condolences to all of you. George was an amazing man and will be missed. I am praying for peace and comfort for all of you. Sending hugs your way, love you

    Reply
  16. Diane, Josh, Michelle and Family
    I send my heart felt condolences to all of you. George was an amazing man and will be missed. I am praying for peace and comfort for all of you. Sending hugs your way, love you

    Reply
  17. Dear Diane and family,
    I so enjoyed watching our kids grow up together every summer at CFC. You have been special people to us for many years. When Beth, living in Chicago, had to have emergency surgery, and I could not get there in time because of fog which didn’t allow planes to fly, I called to see if one of you could be there. When I arrived at the hospital the next day, there was George, walking in the halls, reading a book. He had kept watch until I could arrive. I’ll never forget the kindness all of you have shown to our family. Sending love, light and hugs from my whole family.
    Liz Donnelly

    Reply
  18. Dear Diane and family,
    I so enjoyed watching our kids grow up together every summer at CFC. You have been special people to us for many years. When Beth, living in Chicago, had to have emergency surgery, and I could not get there in time because of fog which didn’t allow planes to fly, I called to see if one of you could be there. When I arrived at the hospital the next day, there was George, walking in the halls, reading a book. He had kept watch until I could arrive. I’ll never forget the kindness all of you have shown to our family. Sending love, light and hugs from my whole family.
    Liz Donnelly

    Reply
  19. Diane,
    I was so sorry to hear about the passing of George. I remember with fondness sitting across from him at the luncheon at your house. He was such a kind and gentle man and loved to talk. I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to seeing you in the near future. Anne McKitrick

    Reply
  20. Diane,
    I was so sorry to hear about the passing of George. I remember with fondness sitting across from him at the luncheon at your house. He was such a kind and gentle man and loved to talk. I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to seeing you in the near future. Anne McKitrick

    Reply
  21. Dear Diane and family
    Please accept my heartfelt condolences with warm thoughts and prayer for you and all who will so miss George..
    God Bless, Mary Mchugh

    Reply
  22. Dear Diane and family
    Please accept my heartfelt condolences with warm thoughts and prayer for you and all who will so miss George..
    God Bless, Mary Mchugh

    Reply
  23. Diane, Josh and Jon,

    George was such a light for so many people. He helped me so much after I graduated from University and was working for Bell Labs in Naperville. Lunches and conversations and gentle questions that really made a huge difference to me. Sending you all love. Please know I’m praying for you and all of us that love George.

    Reply
  24. Diane, Josh and Jon,

    George was such a light for so many people. He helped me so much after I graduated from University and was working for Bell Labs in Naperville. Lunches and conversations and gentle questions that really made a huge difference to me. Sending you all love. Please know I’m praying for you and all of us that love George.

    Reply
  25. So so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a special man , and you all are special people. God bless you all .

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  26. So so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a special man , and you all are special people. God bless you all .

    Reply
  27. Dear, dear friends, you know our hearts are with you and that George will always be with all of us, no matter when or where we are gathered. Love goes on.

    Reply
  28. Dear, dear friends, you know our hearts are with you and that George will always be with all of us, no matter when or where we are gathered. Love goes on.

    Reply
  29. With my most heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Treasure the memories and the love you shared. George was always a treasure and he touched many lives and will forever be in many hearts. He will be welcomed to his heavenly home by his parents, his sister , his beloved Melissa and my parents and sister Jeri Lynn. Love to,all.

    Reply
  30. With my most heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Treasure the memories and the love you shared. George was always a treasure and he touched many lives and will forever be in many hearts. He will be welcomed to his heavenly home by his parents, his sister , his beloved Melissa and my parents and sister Jeri Lynn. Love to,all.

    Reply
  31. Dear Diane and family,
    We were so sorry to read of George’s passing in the Naperville Sun. We remember those years at St Raphael’s, with George playing guitar for REC.
    Blessings to your family,
    Bob and Mary Spreitzer

    Reply
  32. Dear Diane and family,
    We were so sorry to read of George’s passing in the Naperville Sun. We remember those years at St Raphael’s, with George playing guitar for REC.
    Blessings to your family,
    Bob and Mary Spreitzer

    Reply
  33. Diane, Josh, John

    I want you all to know how sorry I am about George. He was such an amazing man and always had a story that would make you laugh. Diane you and George are truly an inspiration the love and admiration you have for eachother is amazing. Josh and John I know how much your dad loved you and all the memories you have. You two are amazing men just like him. Our thoughts and love and prayers were with you love Ed and Karey

    Reply
  34. Diane, Josh, John

    I want you all to know how sorry I am about George. He was such an amazing man and always had a story that would make you laugh. Diane you and George are truly an inspiration the love and admiration you have for eachother is amazing. Josh and John I know how much your dad loved you and all the memories you have. You two are amazing men just like him. Our thoughts and love and prayers were with you love Ed and Karey

    Reply
  35. Can’t tell your family how we hated to hear the news of George’s passing and want you to know we feel your sorrow.He was always such a pleasure to be around. Bless you all at this rough time.

    Reply
  36. Can’t tell your family how we hated to hear the news of George’s passing and want you to know we feel your sorrow.He was always such a pleasure to be around. Bless you all at this rough time.

    Reply
  37. Dear Diane, Josh and Jon, we remember meeting you folks back when Joe and Lora were dating. What fun it was to know you! Conversations with George were a highlight. His knowledge and wit, care and concern for all humanity was very special.
    Please know that we are among the many who will remember him with fondness and respect.

    Reply
  38. Dear Diane, Josh and Jon, we remember meeting you folks back when Joe and Lora were dating. What fun it was to know you! Conversations with George were a highlight. His knowledge and wit, care and concern for all humanity was very special.
    Please know that we are among the many who will remember him with fondness and respect.

    Reply
  39. Diane, Josh and Jon,
    George was a real light in so many lives, including ours. He was always so agreeable, displayed such good humor and had the knack to make one feel so comfortable in his presence. He was a model for others. And tireless energy — always running the roads at Christian Family Camp — making us all wish we had his energy. And his music always “turned our radios on.” The world today is less one of the greatest of God’s gifts. Stay strong with the memories of George and his legacy of kindness, talent and inspiration.

    Reply
  40. Diane, Josh and Jon,
    George was a real light in so many lives, including ours. He was always so agreeable, displayed such good humor and had the knack to make one feel so comfortable in his presence. He was a model for others. And tireless energy — always running the roads at Christian Family Camp — making us all wish we had his energy. And his music always “turned our radios on.” The world today is less one of the greatest of God’s gifts. Stay strong with the memories of George and his legacy of kindness, talent and inspiration.

    Reply
  41. Diane, Jon, Josh, and family,

    We are thinking of you at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the happy memories you made while you were blessed to have George in your lives.

    Reply
  42. Diane, Jon, Josh, and family,

    We are thinking of you at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the happy memories you made while you were blessed to have George in your lives.

    Reply
  43. Diane, Josh, and Jon,

    Thank you for sharing the blessing in celebrating George’s life and light today through the virtual mass it was beautiful. I have fond memories of George remembering his gentle and spicy spirit he was a such treasure. Peace be with you all. “Turn the radio on”

    Reply
  44. Diane, Josh, and Jon,

    Thank you for sharing the blessing in celebrating George’s life and light today through the virtual mass it was beautiful. I have fond memories of George remembering his gentle and spicy spirit he was a such treasure. Peace be with you all. “Turn the radio on”

    Reply
  45. I send sincere condolences to the Family of George Dirksen. He was my supervisor
    for a number of years at Bell Labs/AT&T/Lucent. I remember him as a very intelligent, fair
    and kind person. May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  46. I send sincere condolences to the Family of George Dirksen. He was my supervisor
    for a number of years at Bell Labs/AT&T/Lucent. I remember him as a very intelligent, fair
    and kind person. May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  47. Diane and Family,
    I just got the sad news of George’s passing, and I’m heartbroken. I first met George at Bell Labs four or five decades ago through our Folk Music Club. George has remained as a good friend, volunteer and supporter of Fox Valley Folklore Society’s concerts, dances, Festival and other projects. George was always an avid supporter and advocate for whatever he was involved in – Music, Sports, Native American issues, or personal interactions. George will be missed by his many, many friends in the Folk Music community. My sincere condolences go out to his extended family.

    Reply
  48. Diane and Family,
    I just got the sad news of George’s passing, and I’m heartbroken. I first met George at Bell Labs four or five decades ago through our Folk Music Club. George has remained as a good friend, volunteer and supporter of Fox Valley Folklore Society’s concerts, dances, Festival and other projects. George was always an avid supporter and advocate for whatever he was involved in – Music, Sports, Native American issues, or personal interactions. George will be missed by his many, many friends in the Folk Music community. My sincere condolences go out to his extended family.

    Reply
  49. Dear Diane and Family~
    With great fondness we recall the privilege in sharing some of life’s journey with you, George and the beautiful family you created. We so appreciate the friendship that ensued from our time together on that trip to Pine Island, Canada. Indeed George is experiencing Peace and Joy. Knowing of the devoted love you both share, he would want the same for you…as we do. In the Oneness, we embrace you in much Love.

    Reply
  50. Dear Diane and Family~
    With great fondness we recall the privilege in sharing some of life’s journey with you, George and the beautiful family you created. We so appreciate the friendship that ensued from our time together on that trip to Pine Island, Canada. Indeed George is experiencing Peace and Joy. Knowing of the devoted love you both share, he would want the same for you…as we do. In the Oneness, we embrace you in much Love.

    Reply
  51. Diane,
    Joe and I were so sorry to hear of George’s passing. What a dear man! I can’t remember of a time when he wasn’t smiling, and such a lovely person, and so dedicated to you, Diane, and his family. Please know we are holding you in our hearts. May all the memories you have keep you comforted.
    Love, Sherry Weddle

    Reply
  52. Diane,
    Joe and I were so sorry to hear of George’s passing. What a dear man! I can’t remember of a time when he wasn’t smiling, and such a lovely person, and so dedicated to you, Diane, and his family. Please know we are holding you in our hearts. May all the memories you have keep you comforted.
    Love, Sherry Weddle

    Reply
  53. Dearest Diane and Family,

    My very deepest sympathies on the passing of George. I hold so many memories in my heart of masses, music, parties, celebrations, conversations that we all shared at St. Raphael’s. George was always in the middle of the laughter, prayer, joy and reverence.

    The world is not the same without him.

    With love,
    Molly

    Reply
  54. Dearest Diane and Family,

    My very deepest sympathies on the passing of George. I hold so many memories in my heart of masses, music, parties, celebrations, conversations that we all shared at St. Raphael’s. George was always in the middle of the laughter, prayer, joy and reverence.

    The world is not the same without him.

    With love,
    Molly

    Reply
  55. Hello Diane,
    I am so sorry to read about George. It’s been 44 years since our small group. It’s been a long time, however the memories are fresh. Take care Diane,

    Reply
  56. Hello Diane,
    I am so sorry to read about George. It’s been 44 years since our small group. It’s been a long time, however the memories are fresh. Take care Diane,

    Reply

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