Ray Edwin Dirksen

     Ray Edwin Dirksen, the son of Theodore and Johanna Anna (Ringering) Dirksen, was born on November 14, 1935 in Everly, Iowa. He was raised and attended Country School #1in Everly until the 8^th grade and then finished his education in Spencer graduating in 1953. On June 2, 1958 he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army. While he was in the service he was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged on March 30, 1960. He then served in the Army Reserves until June 1, 1964.

     When Ray returned home from the military, he started farming with his dad in the Everly area until his dad retired and then Ray took over the family farm. He did attend and graduate from Iowa Lakes Community College in 1973.

     Over the years, Ray was an active church member at the First Reform Church and currently attending the Zion United Methodist Church serving as a Deacon and Elder. He also helped at the Clay County Fair for 37 years doing many different jobs.

     Ray passed away on June 13, 2023, at Northshire Residence in Spencer, at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Alice Marsh and Helen Jungers.

     Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Doris Dirksen of Everly, IA; his brother-in-law, Raymond Marsh of Westbrook, MN; three nephews and a niece; other relatives and friends.