Curtis Dirks, 83

Curtis Dirks, 83, peacefully passed away Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at his home. He was diagnosed with cancer on Sept. 29.

Curtis was born Oct. 5, 1926, to Ernest and Alda Unruh Dirks in Copeland, Kansas.  

When Curtis was 10, his family moved to Bonners Ferry, where he lived for the rest of his life. He answered the call of God at age 17 and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on March 5, 1944, by his father Minister Ernest Dirks.

Curtis entered CPS Camp in Downey, Idaho, in April 1945. When the Downey Camp closed, he was transferred to Belton, Mont., working in Glacier National Park. Curtis was discharged after serving 18 months there.

On Dec. 19, 1948, he married Iva Mastre. They enjoyed nearly 61 years together. This union was blessed with four children.

On March 15, 1953, Curtis was ordained to the office of Deaconry. Nov. 23, 1958, brought another change to his life when he was ordained to the Ministry. Curtis gave himself completely to God and the Church to the end.

Some very special times in Dad and Mom's lives were the years they spent in the Philippines. Their thoughts and prayers frequently included the work and the people there.

Dad was a gentle Shepherd of the flock. His kind, compassionate ways reached beyond his congregation into the community. He had many friends that would stop by the house for direction, encouragement, or just a chat.

Dad, along with his brother Ernie, farmed in the Kootenai Valley. The family looks back on many blessed years as Dad endeavored to make a living for this occupation.

Times were not always easy. There were hardships encountered, especially when the Kootenai River overflowed its banks in the spring, flooding the farm ground.

However, blessings seemed to outweigh the hard times and Dad found joy in the journey. He often had a song on his heart and many times we heard him singing or humming as he went about his work.

Dad had a special way of sharing his love and concern for his children's salvation, often lifting them to the Father in prayer.

We as a family treasure many wonderful memories of camping, fishing, huckleberry picking and enjoying the great outdoors with Dad.

He will be missed by his loving wife, daughters Beverly of Rio Vista, Calif., and June of Bonners Ferry; sons Ross and his wife, Ronda, of Dumas, Ark., Grant and his wife, Nadine, of Bonners Ferry; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandson; brothers Ernie (JoAnn), Larry {Judy}, Dennis (Donna) and Bob (Mechelle); sisters Ethel (Glen) Peaster, Dessie (Leonard) Regehr, Joanne (Bob) Mastre and Darlene (Willie) Peachey; brothers-in-law Cyril Mastre, Stanley Mastre, Bob Mastre, Roy Mastre, Bill Mastre, Lloyd Mastre, Leonard Unruh, Verden Boese and Monroe Toews; and sisters-in-law Phyllis Dirks and Carol Mastre.

Curtis was preceeded in death by his parents, a brother, two sisters, a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at Mt. View Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry with interment following at Mt. View Mennonite Cemetery.

Family and friends may sign Curtis’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is handling arrangements.