Tony Dirk

Tony Dirk, 93, Bismarck, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 19, 2010, surrounded by his family at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Church of St. Anne, Bismarck, with Rev. Ed Wehner officiating. Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm Wednesday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary will be held at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Tony, the son of Daniel and Scholastica Volk Dirk, was born January 5, 1917, in Raleigh, ND. He was the fourth of eleven children. He enjoyed singing in the St. Gertrude’s Church choir. He grew up on the family farm in Raleigh, where he developed his love for farming. On October 7, 1940, Tony married Marie Loeb at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church. Tony and Marie were blessed with five sons and eight daughters. They farmed in Raleigh until 1965 when they moved to Bismarck. Tony worked for Modern Machine Works beginning in June 1966. With Tony by her side, Marie died on May 4, 1973. Tony married Evelyn Gappert Conitz on June 18, 1975, in Bismarck. They made their home in Bismarck. On January 5, 1982, he retired from his job as a machinist. In his retirement, Tony loved watching his Minnesota Twins, fishing, bowling, playing cards with the “old guys” at the Eagles, where he was a lifetime member, and his Saturday night dates with Evelyn. Tony loved to visit with people, always remembering a name and a face. His sense of humor was a gift that made him a friend to all who knew him. His quiet demeanor, humility, and respect for others were qualities that made him loved by so many. Through his 93 years, one constant in his life was his strong Catholic faith. For all who were fortunate enough to know him, his unconditional love and powerful faith were examples of how life should be lived. Tony is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Evelyn, Bismarck; his children, Chuck Leslie Dirk, Betty Bill Hirsch, OR, Carol Ron Hawes, Renee Pete Klein, AZ, Tony Bev Dirk, KS, JoAnn Cal Schafer, David Dirk and special friend, Shelley, Kathy Roger Sailer, Cleo Dave Fink, Dwight Rita Dirk, Carlotta Phil Miller, Arlene Willie Volk, and Alan Cathy Dirk, ND; his stepchildren, Leon Norleen Conitz, ND, and Patricia Del Green, MN; 66 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; two brothers, Rasmus Emma Dirk and Mike Leona Dirk; three sisters, Helen Kahl, Edith Lehner, and Lydia Brown; and two sisters-in-law, Marge Lloyd Stelter and Vendora Gappert. Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe and Florence Dirk, Emanuel and Monica Dirk, and Arsenius Dirk; sisters and brothers-in-law, Casper and Katherine Schwalick, Refina Dirk, Paul Brown, and Zach Kahl; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Lydia Gappert; brothers-in-law, Hank and Art Gappert; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Tony Dirk

January 5, 1917 - March 19, 2010