Adele Lois Dirkse

Adele Lois Jacobson was born in Rugby, North Dakota, on July 9, 1941. She was the oldest of three girls born to Lennart and Edythe Jacobson. In 1942, the family relocated to Spokane WA. Adele attended Lewis and Clark HS in Spokane and graduated in 1959. Adele's family loved to adventure and explore the Spokane area. Music was also an integral part of the Jacobson household. Adele's father enjoyed playing traditional Scandinavian music on the accordion. This musical heritage had a major influence on Adele's love for music and skill on the piano. Her parents raised her in the Christian faith and fostered in her a love for the Lord. Her faith in Christ would be the bedrock of her life. The family attended Bethel Nazarene Church, where Adele and the pastor's son, Jerry caught each other's eyes. They married in 1960. After Jerry completed his education in music instruction, the family set out in search of a small mountain town in which to teach music. Leavenworth fit the bill. Jerry applied and was hired as a band teacher in Leavenworth High School, and the family - with two babies in tow. Jennifer and John- built their life in the newly-christened Bavarian village. Shortly thereafter, baby number three arrived- Julie. Adele and Jerry became members of the Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene, where they put their spiritual roots down deep. Adele played the piano for worship at the Nazarene Church for many decades and remained heavily involved here to the end. Just when Adele and Jerry thought they could see the end of their parenting years approaching, they were in for a surprise. Baby number 4, Jason, arrived in 1981. Eventually, th enest did empty, and Adele became a grandmother and then a great-grandmother. Adele and Jerry enjoyed their empty-nest years, espeically traveling to see their grandkids. In 2012, Adele lost Jerry, the love of h er life. She spent most of the remaining years of her life living next door to her youngest sona dn their kids, with grandkids in and out of her house on a daily basis. On November 13 she suffered a heart attack, and on November 16, her Lord took her home. She went home in her strength, full of life and love, and near her beloved family. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry and her sister Linda (Glenn) Thompason. She is survivied by her youngest sister, Bea (Dale) Shafer, four children, Jenni (Larry) Lee, John (Betsey) Dirkse, Julie (Dave) Averill, and Jay (Anna) Dirkse, as well as 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grand children. Thank you to our many friends for your generous kindness and also to Cornerstone Church, Grace Citiy Church, and Adele's beloved Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene. **************** You can view Adele's Celebration of Life here: **************** You can view Adele's extended tribute video here:

Adele Lois Dirkse

July 9, 1941 - November 16, 2022