Freeport- Harley J. Dirksen, 67, of Freeport, died Sunday, September 25, 2005, at his home.
Born November 14, 1937 in Freeport he was the son of Henry and Martha (Miller) Dirksen. He married Helen Stoehr December of 1963 and she died in March of 1974. He married Kay Stadel Roberts January 11, 1975.
He worked 17 years at Burgess Battery and then R S & D Ready Mix for 17 years from which he retired in 1992.
An avid NASCAR fan he was an auto mechanic who enjoyed working on cars. He served in the National Guard.
Surviving is his wife, Kay of Freeport; son, James (Terri) Dirksen of Freeport; 1 step-daughter, Robin (David) Schuman of Tacoma, Washington; 3 step-sons, Alan (Angie) Roberts of Elizabeth, Larry (Kathy) Roberts of Crystal River, Florida, and Dean Roberts of Elizabeth; one sister, Shirley (Gerald) Hunefield of Freeport; 3 granddaughters, Krista, Kadie, and Kalah Dirksen all of Freeport; 4 step granddaughters, Desiree Schuman of Tacoma, Washington, Salena Roberts of Crystal River, Florida, Brittany Roberts, and Katlyn Roberts of Elizabeth; 5 step grandsons, Tanner Schuman of Tacoma, Washington, Christian Roberts of Elizabeth, Joshua Roberts and Trevor Roberts both of Crystal River, Florida, and Troy Roberts of Elizabeth; 1 niece, Vicky (David) Busker of Freeport; one sister in-law, Judy Dirksen of Freeport; 4 great nephews, Christopher (Melissa) Busker, Brandon (Christine) Busker, Dane and Austyn Busker all of Freeport.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Helen Stoehr; and 1 brother, Larry Dirksen.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, 11 a.m. at Walker Mortuary with Reverend James Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m. at Walker Mortuary.
A memorial has been established in his name.
Please leave a remembrance message on our guest book at www.walkermortuary.com.