Else Dirik

Funeral services for Else Dirik are scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, September 30, 2016 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mineola with Father Mani T. Mathai officiating. Burial will follow at Concord Cemetery in Quitman. Rosary will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, September 29th at the church.

Mrs. Dirik went to be with the Lord Tuesday evening, September 27, 2016.

Else Gumbert Dirik was born in Ohlstadt, Germany on April 23, 1931 and attended nursing school in Munich, Germany. She came to America aboard the S.S. America when she was 22 years old. She met her life’s partner, Charles Dirik, through a mutual friend, married, and together they started a family in America. Charles’ work took the family around the world and created wonderful memories for all of us.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles Dirik of Quitman; her children, Joe Dirik and wife Terri of Garland, Olivia Tackett and husband Dick of Mineola, John Dirik of Ft. Worth, and Tom Dirik and wife Susie of Magnolia; grandchildren, Melissa (Bradyn), John Michael, Sam, and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Kate; and her brother Paul Gumbert and wife Doris of Ohlstadt, Germany and his family.

Her life is so intricately stitched and interwoven with our own, that words are elusive. Else was subtle and magical. She had the gift of being unique to each of us and still be giving, indispensable and enduring for us all. Her love was without limit and her devotion to her life’s partner, Charles, was unshakable. For over 61 years, their hearts beat as one and graced us all with their devotion to each other.

Thousands of meals together, the millions of laughs, smiles, and tears. The scrapes and bruises of life, the special quiet times alone with her, the family vacations and holidays, the innumerable moments of comfort and teaching. She was the foundation of our family and her love for us resides eternally in each of us. This wonderful woman of faith was God’s gift to us.

She is our greatest blessing.