Curtis Lowell Dirks

Curtis Dirks was born to Ernest and Alda Unruh Dirks on October 5, 1926 at Copeland, Kansas. He was diagnosed with cancer on September 29th 2009 and peacefully passed away December 4th 2009 at his home reaching the age of 83 years. When he was 10 years old his family moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho where he lived for the rest of his life. He answered the call of God at the age of 17 and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on March 5th, 1944 by his father Minister Ernest Dirks. He entered CPS Camp at Downey, Idaho in April of 1945. When the Downey Camp closed he was transferred to Belton, Montana working in Glacier National Park. He was discharged after serving 18 months there. On December 19th 1948 he was joined in marriage to Iva Mastre and they enjoyed nearly 61 years of married life together. This union was blessed with 4 children. On March 15th 1953, he was ordained to the office of Deaconry. November 23rd 1958 brought another change to his life when he was ordained to the Ministry. He 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. We as a family look back on many blessed years as Dad endeavored to make a living for us in this occupation. Times were not always easy. There were hardships encountered, especially when the Kootenai River overflowed it's 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 Iva, daughter Beverly of Rio Vista, Ca., daughter June of Bonners Ferry, Id, son Ross and wife Ronda of Dumas, Arkansas, son Grant and wife Nadine of Bonners Ferry, Id, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. Also, survived by 4 brothers: Ernie (JoAnn), Larry {Judy}, Dennis (Donna), Bob (Mechelle); 4 sisters: Ethel (Glen) Peaster, Dessie (Leonard) Regehr, Joanne (Bob) Mastre, Darlene (Willie) Peachey. Brothers-in-law: Cyril Mastre, Stanley Mastre, Bob Mastre, Roy Mastre, Bill Mastre and Lloyd Mastre, Leonard Unruh, Verden Boese and Monroe Toews; and sisters-in-law Phyllis Dirks and Carol Mastre. He was predeceased by his parents, 1 brother, 2 sisters, 1 brother-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law. Funeral services were held December 9, 2009 at 10:00 am Mt. View Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho with interment following in the Mt. View Mennonite Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to sign Curtis’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangement are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.