Joseph A Dirksen

Joseph A. “Joe” Dirksen, 82, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at Trustwell Living Memory Care following a courageous battle with Lewy body dementia. A proud father, grandfather, and craftsman, Joe will ultimately be remembered for his dedication to his family, spiritual heart, and his desire to help others.

Born on March 23, 1943, in Springfield, he was the son of Theodore J. and Catherine Reisch Dirksen. Joe grew up attending St. Agnes Grade School and Cathedral Boys High School before graduating from Griffin High School. Following his education, he maintained a lifelong career as a carpenter. Joe worked for Nile Marriott Incorporated for over 20 years before joining CWLP, where he retired as a foreman carpenter. A proud member of Carpenters Local 16, Joe’s handiwork can be seen across Springfield—and in the three homes he built for his family. In his early years he volunteered his time with the Springfield Fire and Rescue Squad, always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Joe’s Catholic upbringing led to his involvement and the development of Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) with the Franciscan Sisters in the Springfield Diocese.

Joe’s life was filled with purpose and passion beyond his professional craft. He grew up spending summers with his family at their cottage in Onecoma, MI. He proudly owned a second home there with his nephews. He enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their activities and sharing his endless wisdom. Joe enjoyed preparing his yard and family cemetery plot for the season, making sure it was a sight to enjoy. A lover of animals, he raised his girls on a mini farm in New Berlin, IL. Later in life he found faithful companionship in his best friend, his dog Jessie, who was always by his side.

He was preceded in death by parents and brother, Dirk Dirksen.

He is survived by his daughters, Jenny (Chuck) Taylor of Springfield, and Jill (Donnie) Scott of Riverton; grandchildren, Jessica (fiancé, Adam Riplinger) Taylor, Clayton (Abbie) Taylor, Bradley (Renae) Scott, and Brittany Scott; great-grandchildren, Samuel Scott and Kendall Taylor; siblings, George Dirksen, John Dirksen, Elizabeth Dirksen, Martha Bunn, Cathy Bingham, and Mary Lindberg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Private family services will be held within the Dirksen family plot at Calvary Cemetery.

Through his struggles following a traumatic fall and his dementia diagnosis, Joe taught his family the true meaning of unconditional love.

" Love yourself, Trust yourself, Believe in yourself." Joseph A. Dirksen.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Private family services will be held at a later date within the Dirksen plot at Calvary Cemetery.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.