Michele-Dirksen-Obituary

Michele Dirksen

Obituary

OTTUMWA — Michele Anne Dirksen, 38, formerly of 611 W. Finley, died at 8:40 a.m. Sept. 16, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Nursing and Rehab Center of ALS – Lou Gehrig’s disease.She was born March 29, 1969 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Bruce and Elaine Rollins Moore.A graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1987 and Indian Hills Community College in 1989 in Health Information Technology, she worked at Grinnell General in Grinnell, St. Johns Medical Center in Springfield, Mo. and Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Newton and presently a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa. She was a Minnesota Vikings and Phoenix Suns fan. Her life was her children.Surviving are two children, Drew Dirksen and Chloe Michele Dirksen both of Ottumwa; her father and step-mother, Bruce and Deborah Moore of Ottumwa; her mother and step-father, Elaine and Gary Brinegar of Ottumwa; a sister, Theresa Moore of Ottumwa and grandparents, Junior and Edith Moore of Ottumwa.She was preceded in death by her grandparents, David and Ruth Rollins. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Mathew Andersen officiating. Burial will be in the Ottumwa Cemetery.Visitation will begin after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the family present from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to a trust fund for her children.
This obituary was originally published in the Ottumwa Daily Courier.

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I cannot imagine losing my sister or my mother or my child. Michele was such a pretty girl. When she was little she reminded me of a princess. I feel terrible about all of the suffering she had to go through and that her children had to grow up faster than they had to.
I know that everything happens for a reason, but sometimes you wonder why. That is the hardest thing to face for everyone. Sister, child, mother, Michele was all those things and I feel she is around us and able to embrace...

I am glad that I was Michele's cousin. Michele was a beautiful girl. The only comfort in her death is that she is no longer suffering and is at peace at God's side. She will always be watching over her loved ones until the day they meet her again in heaven. I think of her often and pray for Teresa, Chloe, Drew and the rest of her family that they will be able to go on with life and try and make the most of every day. That is what Michele would want. She was so strong through her illness...

Michele is in my heart and in my thoughts every day. Here's a memory from one of the cards I received: Michele and her friend were in Mr. Scheider's class, 4th grade I think. Michele used a red rubber stamp to put a mark between her finger and thumb. Then she went up to the teacher to get a bandaid for her "boo boo". Then her friend tried it but she didn't get a bandaid. That's the cute and ornery little sister I remember. :)

Meeting Diamond Rio backstage

Several of us (friends) spent some time together over the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether it be lunch with Micheles' mom and sister or a night out on the town. We talked about fond memories and how hard it would be getting through the holidays especially for Micheles' children and family. Michele loved Christmas, and in knowing that it makes this time of year tough. We miss her sooooo much, but yet know she is here close with us in our hearts and minds. I viewed the photo album and saw Michele...

I am so sorry to hear this news. I haven't seen Michele for years, but still keep in my heart all of the times Theresa, Michele and I used to play on Ellis Ave. when we were kids. God Bless.

Thanksgiving 2006 - Michele, Theresa & Chloe

Michele was a great person and I'm glad I was fortunate enough to get to know her during her short life. I am sorry for your loss, but try to remember all the good times you all shared with Michele.