Dennis J. Dirksen, age 81, of Cassella, died Friday, February 12, 2021 at his residence. He was born April 13, 1939 in Cassella, to the late Clarence & Philomena (Homan) Dirksen. On July 2, 1966, in St. Michael Catholic Church in Ft. Loramie, he married Judy (Sanders) Dirksen, who survives in Cassella.

Dennis is also survived by children and in-laws: Tony & Sharon Dirksen of Cassella, Kay & Terry Knapke of Versailles, Kelly & Tom Schmitmeyer of St. Sebastian, Karen & Cory May of Versailles, Ted & Cheryl Dirksen, Theresa Dirksen all of Cassella, and Karla & Matt Watercutter of Cranberry Prairie. He is also survived by 30 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and siblings and in-laws: Alma Schmitmeyer, Joan Poeppelman, Louis & Sally Dirksen, Marvin & Ruth Evers, Paul Poeppelman, Marjorie Heitkamp, and Carol Laub.

In addition to his parents, Dennis is preceded in death by a son, Tim Dirksen, as well as siblings and in-laws: Herbert & Mary Dirksen, Rita & Ed Evers, Ernest Schmitmeyer, Esther & Orville Winner, Helen & George Wenning, John Poeppelman, Elsie Poeppelman, and Wilbert Heitkamp.

He was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Cassella, the Mens Sodality, and the Knights of St. John in Maria Stein. Dennis was a 1957 graduate of Marion Local High School and served in the U.S. Armed Forces Air Defense Reserves. He was a lifelong dairy farmer and will be remembered most for his strong work ethic and faith. He loved spending time with family and watching sports, especially his grandchildren's activities.

A Funeral Mass following all CDC guidelines will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein. Friends may call from 2 pm - 8 pm on Monday, February 15, and 9am -10 am on Tuesday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry. Burial will follow in Nativity Cemetery, Cassella. Memorial contributions may be made to the State of the Heart Care. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.