Edward J. Dirksen

Edward J. Dirksen, 92, of Springfield passed away Saturday, February 24, at St. Joseph's Home. He was born March 26, 1908 the son of Paul and Matilda Freund Dirksen in Springfield. He married Leona M. Knecht in 1938 who preceded him in death in 1959, and he married Virginia Ezra Allen in 1961 who preceded him in death in 1991. Mr. Dirksen was educated at SS Peter and Paul Elementary School, Springfield High School and Lincoln College of Law. He served in the U.S. Armed Services from 1942 - 1945. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant Major, Hq. 88th Bomb Group. His employment included Assistant Director of Insurance for the State of Illinois, 1949 - 1953. He was the Executive Secretary of the Ilinois Association of Insurance Agents, 1953 - 1957. At retirement he returned to Springfield where he served briefly with the Illinois Department of Insurance. He was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Sangamon County Bar and former member of Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Anges Parish and its Holy Name Society. Mr. Dirksen was preceded in death by his parents; wife's Leona M. Knecht and Virginia Ezra Allen; two brothers: Paul F. and Alvin J. Dirksen; one sister: Kathryn Dirksen Higgins and great granddaughter Amber Brand. His is survived by one daughter: Linda Dirksen Brand of Springfield; two stepsons: Dr. Andrew J. (wife, Margie) Allen, David C. Allen both of Savannah, GA; six grandchildren: Paula Brand (husband, David) Paul of Springfield; Stephanie Brand (husband, James) Nallen of Elk Grove Village, IL; Maureen Brand of Honalulu, HI; Michael S. (wife, Kim) Allen of Trevor, WI; Cherilyn Allen (husband, Tom) Koether of Woodstock, GA; Cortney Allen of Savannah, GA; sister-in-law: Rose Dirksen of Springfield; five great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral from 4-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2001 with a wake service beginning at 4:00 p.m.. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2001 at St. Agnes Catholic Church with Reverend Robert Becker and Reverend Patrick Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery where the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail will perform Honors. The family of Edward J. Dirksen is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.