Leah Dirks

Leah Leatrice Dirks was born in Rushville, Neb. She attended Rushville schools.
After graduating she attended Nebraska State Teachers College in Chadron, Neb., receiving a short-term teaching certificate.  
Upon completion she taught in rural schools in the Rushville area until she met Dewey Dirks at a dance after a baseball game.  They were married June 27, 1951 in Rushville.
Dewey and Leah first lived in Martin, S.D., moving to Kadoka, S.D., in 1961, then to Custer, S.D., in 1986 and spending her last years in Lemmon, S.D.
Leah worked at a grocery store in Martin. In Kadoka she cleaned cabins, worked in a restaurant and helped run Dirks Campground. She also worked in the lunch program in Kadoka and Custer.  
Leah was active in the VFW and the Lutheran churches in Kadoka and Custer, where she was an organist. She volunteered at the food pantry and museum in Custer.
During her years in Kadoka she boarded many rural kids attending Kadoka High School and kept in touch with many over the years. She was also very crafty making many quilts, afghans and doilies.  
Attending sports events of kids and grandkids was a very special time for her. Dewey and Leah enjoyed traveling to many places during their 61 years together.
Leah went to meet her Lord April 25, 2022, at the Five County Nursing Home in Lemmon. She was 93.  
She was preceded in death by her husband Dewey; her parents; her brother, Lloyd; and just three hours after Leah’s passing her sister Leta passed as well.
She is survived by her children, Lorinda (Kenneth) Gruhlke, Deanna (Tod) Broman and Dennis (Susan) Dirks; nine grandchildren, Michelle (Casey) Vietor, Daniel (Holly) Gruhlke, Derek (Ashley) Broman, Joe (Kylee) Gruhlke, Jake (Tiernay) Dirks, Doug (Victoria) Broman, Whitney (Luke) Knaff, Josh (Nicole) Dirks and Breeann (Paul) Miller; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to a cancer treatment center of your choice.
Interment was April 29 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D., followed by memorial services April 30 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Custer.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, SD.  Condolences may be left at chamberlainmccolleys.com.

 

User login