Frank Thomas DirksenObituary
Frank Thomas Dirksen understood God’s love and dedicated his life to serving others. He loved God and the Blessed Mother with all his heart and showed this love through his words and good works. Frank was born in San Jose on October 12, 1943 and was surrounded by loved ones when he left for his heavenly home on February 13, 2024. Lovingly known as Uncle Frank by hundreds of kids and kids-at-heart, he left an impact on everyone he met, reminding us always to care for the weak, to give to the needy, to have Faith, to accept God’s will, and to not judge others. Frank attended Saint Francis High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business from Santa Clara University in 1966. From 1967 to 1969 he served in the U.S. Army, handling classified materials for the commander at CINCUSAEREUR in Germany. During this time he organized athletic programs for the company team and children of the soldiers. After leaving the army, he structured his life so he could spend his time serving others. He worked nights as a security guard, so he could focus on giving to others during the day. He drove seniors to church on Sundays, made daily visits to nursing homes (always with fresh fruit to give to the residents), and coached hundreds of youngsters in basketball. Frank always focused on making others happy and feel cared for. Basketball was his passion. He felt that sharing his love and knowledge of basketball with youth was also sharing in God’s love. Frank directed the athletic program at Saint Lawrence School and was the school’s head basketball coach. He coached the famous PeeWee basketball team that played during half-times at Wilcox High School, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University and University of the Pacific. After each game he would pile all 15 kids into his Barracuda and reward them with a meal at McDonald’s. Frank also directed a variety of programs and coached many other basketball teams. After he retired from coaching, he officiated thousands of games. His favorite game to referee was the Revs vs. Sems, with priests facing off against seminarians at Santa Clara University, even though he was often required to call fouls on his favorite priests.Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 10:30 AM with a Rosary beginning at 10:00 AM at Saint Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Parish, 1971 St. Lawrence Drive, Santa Clara 95051. A reception will follow at the Saint Lawrence Community Center.