Angel M. Dirksen

Angel M. Dirksen, 64, of Klemme, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at her home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania, with Rev. Dana Wendel officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the family of Angel Dirksen.

Angel Marie Kiefer was born in the spring of 1961 to Dean and Judy Kiefer. She was the second born and the only girl. Her mom tells a story of her namesake. When the nurse handed Judy the baby, she thought she looked like an angel. Angel grew up with four brothers to keep in line. Later in life three more joined the family. She was a natural mother, always stepping into the role effortlessly.

Angel married Bill Babcock shortly after high school, and two children joined the family. The family moved around the world while serving in the military. After the death of her husband, she moved close to her mom to raise her children in Corwith, Iowa. A few years later her mom introduced her to a nice man she worked with at Kiefer Built, later they were married and together two more children added to her family.

Angel was a free spirit, an artist, and naturalist. She loved the rain. She had a green thumb, always picked coconut scents, the color pink, and loved her family. She was so proud of all her kids and grandbabies, freely bragging on them when given the chance. She was also a brat. She was so fortunate to be loved and spoiled by her husband. They were frequently seen holding hands and “I love you’s” were heard often, even after 30 plus years. Keith called her a brat but that was by his own doing. Her person was her Mama, the bond they shared was unmatched. From her mom she got her strength, her values, and her compassion.

Angel was a natural advocate, a protector of the underdog and a fighter. She was strong, intuitive, and beautiful. She spent years as a foster parent before she felt called into nursing. She had no idea of the impact she would make in this role, to her patients as well as her co-workers.

Memories of Angel include being in the kitchen with an apron on, singing to Bob Segar, every time a person walks by with a bandana on their head, sitting in the passenger seat like a princess she was, and anytime someone says Granny.