Louis "Len" L. Dirksen

Louis Leonard "Lenny" Dirksen, 75, of Springfield, headed to "Club Slug" in the sky to celebrate Notre Dames perfect season with his brother and friends at 11:51 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 2018. Len was born on December 11, 1942 in Springfield, the son of Lawrence G. and Mary Helen Leonard Dirksen. He graduated from Cathedral Boys High School and earned both a bachelors degree in Education and a masters degree in Special Education from SIU Carbondale. Len grew up on North Third Street and married Julie Bucari, of North Fifth Street. They raised their two daughters, Molly and Betsy, in their hometown surrounded by a very loud, very loving family. An Eagle Scout, Len made sure his daughters knew how to change their own tires, bone a fish and read a map. Pluswith classic Lenny stylethrow a ball, land a punch and sneak a stop at The Shamrock or Two Brothers for a coke and beer during Saturday runs to the hardware store. Len was a proud member of the American Business Club and his duties at the State Fairgrounds Grandstand meant a lifetime of memories filled with the Beach Boys, KC & the Sunshine Band, and of course, Willie Nelson. He played softball with the "Un-Stars" and was famous for his grilled corn at season end parties. He organized the LPGA Rail Classic Charity Golf Outing for years and was a core member of the Governors Prayer Breakfast committee. Lenny was quick with a warm smile, had a laugh that filled any room and a mischievous twinkle in his eye always. He was generous, loyal and incredibly smart. A proud Irish-Catholic Kennedy Democrat, he was active in politics and shared his views with anyone who asked. Or just happened to be sitting next to him. Or on Facebook. Most of all, he was a fiercely protective, proud father and grandfather. His daughters and grandkids meant the world to him and he always made sure to say how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. According to Lenny, if he was "above ground" it was a good day and he was going to get out and enjoy it. From Sharkys to Sheedy Shores, Len made good friends wherever he landed. The world lost a good one this week, but the big party upstairs is a whole lot more fun now. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lawrence G. Dirksen; and sister, Diane Skaggs. He is survived by his daughters, Molly Dirksen (partner, Camilo Rasquin) of Chicago and Betsy (husband, Tom, Jr.) Dirksen Londrigan of Springfield; three grandchildren, Jack, William, and Kathryn Londrigan, all of Springfield; mother of his children, Julie Bucari Dirksen of Springfield; three nieces, Linley Bowyer, Ashley Vasconcelles and Sherry Skaggs; two nephews, Gary Dirksen and Larry Skaggs; and many beloved cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Private family graveside ceremonies will be held. The family will host a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at J.P. Kellys Pub, 300 East Adams St., Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to: Illinois Womens Institute of Leadership at https://iwiltrainingacademy.org/ or Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702 or online at www.shg.org.