Elrene Dirkin

It is with sad hearts we are Posting the obituary for our dear sister, Elrene. It is with rejoicing hearts we know she is now pain free and at peace in the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. ✝️ Gobles, MI — Elrene Ione Gulbrand Dirkin, age 71; was taken from this earthly home to be with her Savior in her eternal home on Sunday evening, May 3, 2020. After some challenging health issues, she is now at peace with her Savior. Elrene was born on May 21, 1948, to the late Erwin and Irene (Bruechert) Gulbrand in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. She grew up on the family farm in Kewaunee County, on the shore of Lake Michigan. Elrene graduated from Kewaunee High School, class of 1966. She went on to further her education at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. After graduating with a teaching degree, she taught in Lutheran Schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Crete, Illinois and South Haven, Michigan. On December 22, 1984 she married William Dirkin. They lived in Michigan where Elrene continued her graduate studies at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was a volunteer coordinator with the Lutheran International Friends Organization working with 900 international students and their families. Elrene was able to make fast and lasting friendships with international students through this mission work. Her faith was very important to her. Elrene was a member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Portage, Michigan. Elrene is survived by her husband; Bill: Bill’s son; Kenneth (Kathryn) Dirkin: their children; Katlyn and Kole: sister; Eileen (Wayne) Luebke, Green Bay, WI: brother; Ellery (Karen) Gulbrand, Green Bay, WI: uncle and aunt Raymond and Barbara Gulbrand, Fond du Lac, Wi: nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is also survived by her “furry” children, McGinnis and Tito. She is preceded in death by her parents: Erwin (Irene) Gulbrand: Bill’s son; Patrick Dirkin: God daughter: Tammy Gulbrand Anderson: many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Due to the current health restrictions, there will be no funeral service at this time. A memorial service will be held in Michigan at a future date. The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269-679-5622).