Kathleen Dirksen

Kathleen Dirksen

1948 – 2025

DANBURY - Kathleen Marie Dirksen, 76, of Danbury, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at the UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center of Sioux City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury. Father William McCarthy will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Danbury Catholic Cemetery of Danbury.  

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 6:45 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Danbury.

The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.

Kathleen “Kathy” (Beacom) Dirksen, beloved wife of Warren, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Feb. 13, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on May 9, 1948, in Sioux City, to John and Delia (Jauron) Beacom, Kathy’s life was defined by her love for family, faith, community, a good book, and a steaming hot cup of coffee.

Kathy was a proud graduate of the Class of 1967 from Bishop Heelan High School. She continued her education in Clinton, Iowa, before working at Tolers Pharmacy, and later, alongside her father at Upper Missouri River Cooperation.

Warren found Kathy at a dance in Sioux City sparking a love story that would last over 55 years. They were married on March 22, 1968, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Salix, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised eight children on a farm outside Danbury, embracing the energy and activities that accompany a family of ten with humor and love. On the farm, she showed her dedication year-round by making countless lunches, driving the men between farms, and carefully handling the family's business affairs.

Kathy was extremely active in her community, serving on both the Danbury Catholic School Board and the Maple Valley-Anthon Oto School Board. She was always advocating for the education of local children. As a dedicated member of her faith community, she taught religious education and served as President of the Rosary Society and Women’s Club.

Known for her signature laugh, Kathy was her children’s biggest cheerleader, always found at their activities and events, ready to encourage them through school and life. She was an adoring grandma who loved to celebrate every holiday, shopping for thoughtful gifts and building personalized Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s packages. Christmas at the farm was full of tradition as the growing group lined up for a family photo every year and shared memories and laughs over a full table. She cherished visiting her children and grandchildren as they grew, taking pride in their achievements along the way.

Kathy loved traveling to distant destinations with her husband, from New Zealand and Alaska to the Panama Canal, cruises with her family, and other meaningful trips throughout the country.

She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 55 years, Warren, and their seven children: Mark (Lisa) Dirksen of McCook Lake, South Dakota; Julie (Brent) Steemken of Ankeny, Iowa; Angela (Owen III) Primavera of Lenexa, Kansas; Sandra (Louai Albinni) Dirksen of Abu Dhabi; John (Allison) Dirksen of Shoreview, Minnesota; Amanda (Joshua) Sheldahl of Shawnee, Kansas; and Matthew (Allyson) Dirksen of Danbury, Iowa. She was blessed and proud of her 20 grandchildren: Annabel, Emmet, Orion, Ione, Zachary, Benjamin, Shania, Zorianna, Owen IV, Joseph, Theo, Hugh, Wyatt, Austin, Levi, William, Lauren, Kate, Leah, and James, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her six siblings, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved son Joe and her parents, John and Delia Beacom.

Kathy’s warmth, kindness, and love for her family and friends will be deeply missed. Her legacy of faith, compassion and unwavering cheerfulness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.