In Loving Memory of Daniel Lee Dirksen
1943-2022

Written by his daughter, Lauren Muñoz

My dad was born on February 6, 1943 in San Diego, California to Daniel and Hazel Dirksen. His father was a minister and he grew up very involved in the church. At a young age, he found his love for spiritual music by listening to hymns played on the pipe organ. The unique sounds of the organ and all of the keys, petals, and pistons used when playing fascinated him. He began playing the organ and piano at 9 years old and it was soon clear to all who heard him that he had an undeniable gift. He went on to major in music and minor in art at Walla Walla University. After college, he began his career as a teacher in private Seventh Day Adventist schools, where he could share his musical talents with students in elementary, middle, and high school. In addition to music, he taught theology and English. My sister, Kristin, had him as a teacher in 8th grade and has fond memories of him teaching recorder and designing a class project where she and her classmates ran a student store at recesses. Later he became a Vice Principal at Honolulu Seventh Day Adventist Elementary and a principal at West Covina Elementary.

After about 10 years working in education, he became a Director of Music for the church. Over the years, he entertained congregations on the island of Oahu at Central Seventh Day Adventist Church, Unity, and Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church. I have incredible memories of listening to the music he directed and played, and meeting the talented musicians he performed with. Each performance was like attending a concert; they were remarkable. He also enjoyed being the organist for Japanese weddings; sometimes there were as many as 22 weddings in a day. The songs he played are still some of my favorites,“The Hawaiian Wedding Song,” “Aloha Oe”, and “Here Comes the Bride.”

Throughout his life, he wrote the music and lyrics for many songs that can be found on his album, The Dan Dirksen Project, available on Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify. His music was in the Adventist Youth hymnal and sung all over the world. He wrote the opener and closer for the t.v. show, “Faith for Today,” and his songs were also played on the t.v. show, “It Is Written.”

In addition to music, he loved photography, the British royal family, redecorating his home often, antiques, the history channel, and The Little Rascals. Most of all he loved dogs. Over the years, he had several chihuahuas named Weaser. His most recent companion and best friend was a miniature Pinscher, named Pixel.

He was such a fun dad and made my visits to see him on Oahu so special. We spent our time together soaking in the sun at the beach and dining at luxurious hotels, where many of his friends often performed. We loved making jewelry together, shopping, catching up on the latest “gossip,” and watching Shirley Temple movies. I will never forget the story of when he was at a restaurant playing the piano and Shirley Temple walked in the door. He started playing, “On the Good Ship Lollipop,” and she smiled and thanked him for the song.

After many years in Hawaii, he returned to San Diego. It was there he passed away peacefully on November 22nd, after a weekend with family, where we were able to say our goodbyes, laugh and cry, and sing his songs. He leaves behind his daughters, Kristin and Lauren, his sister, Kathy, his grandchildren, Chase, Kendall, Grant and Grace, his nieces and nephews, Danielle, Cary, and Lindsay, three great nieces, and a great nephew.

He lived a fulfilling life and was loved by many, especially me. I will miss him dearly.

Facebook video can be seen here.

Dan was a former organ student and we had many interesting discussions about life as well as music. I remember him telling me he made his money writing contemporary church music, but that he really enjoyed playing the works of Bach. His most recent job in Hawaii was at Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church where he played many Japanese weddings. I am saddened to hear this news.