Ernest Leo Dirks, 91

Ernest Leo Dirks was born May 20, 1933, to Ernest and Alda Unruh Dirks in Copeland, Kansas. He died on November 1, 2024, at Sunset Home, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Ernie was baptized on April 18, 1950, into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, and remained faithful to his vows all his life. 

On June 27, 1954, Ernie married JoAnn Mastre in Bonners Ferry. She was his loving companion for over 70 years. They finished the remainder of his 1-W Service time in Los Angeles, California. He had many lasting memories of his time there. After service was completed, they returned to Bonners Ferry. 

Ernie and JoAnn were blessed with seven children. Dad enjoyed family times and perked up when the grandchildren came. He never tired of the pristine mountain air and the fresh scent of pine trees. Favorite family times included camping, fishing, and picking huckleberries. 

Dad farmed with his brother Curtis in the Kootenai Valley, working hard to provide for their families. The lives of other people interested him. He would strike up a conversation with folks at a nearby table in a café and would invite his neighbors or hay customers in for a cup of coffee. Another highlight in their lives was the year they spent in the mission at Dodge City, Kansas. 

In his retirement years Ernie found enjoyment in woodworking, often gifting friends and family with his useful handiwork. At Christmas the youngest schoolchildren were delighted with the little wooden cars he made for them. He also made many wooden frames for special calendars he and JoAnn handed out yearly to teachers, friends, and family.

Dad will be missed by his loving wife, JoAnn; children: Greg and Onalee Dirkes, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Gayle and Alan Holderman, Gwen and Dale Holderman, Buhl, Idaho; Patrick and Jolene Dirks, Cynthia and David Peaster, Kendall and Lonetta Dirks, all of Bonners Ferry; and Julie and Kent Wedel, Grant, Nebraska. Twenty-nine grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers: Dennis and Donna Dirks, and Bob and Mechelle Dirks; three sisters: Dessie Regehr, Joanne and Bob Mastre, and Darlene and Willie Peacher; four sisters in law: Judy Dirks, Carol Mastre, Marlyn Mastre, and Delores Mastre; one brother-in-law: Bill and Barbara Mastre; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Ernie was preceded in death by one grandson, his parents, five siblings, and 16 in-laws.

The family wishes to especially thank the Sunset Home staff for their attentive and thoughtful care of Ernie in his last days. It meant so much and made the last mile of the way easier for us all. 

Funeral services were held at Mountain View Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on November 5, 2024. Ministers Glen Ensz, Shane Ensz, and Ben Nystrom officiated. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery. To leave a message or memory for the family go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.