Search by Name

Search by Name

DENNIS DIRKSEN Obituary

DIRKSEN, DENNIS A. April 9, 1935 to April 25, 2012 Dennis passed away peacefully at home after living with Parkinson's Disease for 15 years. He was a professor and dept. chair (Industrial Studies) at SDSU (1969-1992) and coordinator of the Workforce Education Program for Southern Illinois University at North Island Naval Base (1992-2002). He was also a consultant for the California State Dept. of Education and San Diego Unified School District. He is survived by his wife Sherland; son Thad Dirksen of San Diego; daughters Nancy Hjerstedt of San Diego, and Ann Dirksen of Rye, NY; three grandchildren Ashton and Micah Hjerstedt and Jack McRedmond; and siblings Evan Dirksen, Melvin Dirksen, Erma Gallaway, and Velma Frey. Private services will be held in Kansas and Hawaii.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on May 10, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for DENNIS DIRKSEN

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

James Miller

March 6, 2022

Great professor. Wished we stayed in touch. SDSU graduate.

Chris Carlson

May 17, 2012

I too was a student at State. I always remember Dennis' sense of humor. I also remember he gave me the opportunity to do more. I credit him with my love of metal work and "moments of greatness". I am forever thankful to have known him.

Cindy Mills

May 11, 2012

How blessed are we who put our faith in God, for no matter how difficult it is to bear the pain of parting, we have His promise that one day we'll be reunited with those who have gone before us to our heavenly home. In another home, in a happier place, in a beautiful forever...we will meet again.

Maly Garay

May 10, 2012

Thank you for your encouragement and support. Your many years of teaching at SDSU will always be remembered by those of us fortunate enough to have had your guidance. You will be missed.

Mark Greenstone

May 10, 2012

Thank you Dr. Dirksen for your career and guidance given to countless students at SDSU. It was a privilege to have been one of them.
e ho'omaha me ka maluhia from Oahu.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in DENNIS DIRKSEN's name

Memorial Events
for DENNIS DIRKSEN

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support DENNIS's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor DENNIS DIRKSEN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more