Donald A. Dirksen, 72, of, Bull Shoals, Arkansas formerly of Owatonna and Faribault died Friday, August 21, 2009 at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, Arkansas. Don was born August 15, 1937 in Albert Lea, Minnesota the son of Albert and Dorothy (Muehe) Dirksen. Don was raised in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1955. He was united in marriage to Beverly Winship on December 1, 1956. They moved to Owatonna and Don worked for Northwestern Bell and later for US West. He retired from US West in 1992 and in 1994, they moved to Faribault. Bev died in 1996. On October 7, 2006, Don married Candy Julsen and the couple made their home in Bull Shoals, AR. He is survived by his wife, Candy Dirksen of Bull Shoals; a son, Tim (and fianc Kathy) Dirksen of Owatonna; three daughters, Becki (and Ken) Sorenson of Zumbrota; Shelly (and Charlie) Snorek of Plymouth; Deb (and Eric) Rutherford of Bull Shoals, AR; two brothers, Dan (and Mina) Dirksen of Cincinnati, OH; Mike (and Lisa) Dirksen of Owatonna; sister, Bonnie (and Kenny) Troe of Vinton, IA; two stepsons, Chris (and fianc Birdie) Julsen of Dallas, TX; Terry Julsen of Iowa City, IA; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and beloved dog Cookie. His parents, and his first wife Beverly of 40 years, his grandson Benjamin Sorenson and his sister, Beverly Benjegerdes, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Visitation: 08/25/2009 17:00 08/25/2009 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 08/26/2009 10:30