Ted Dirkson

Theodore “Ted” Dirkson, 91, of Lewistown, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Lewistown, surrounded by his loving family.

Ted was the oldest of six children born on July 7, 1934 to Ray and Sylvia Dirkson in Lewistown. Ted attended Hobson High School, graduating in 1952. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. On August 5, 1961, Ted married the love of his life, Irene Schanz. They were blessed to celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary. This union brought them their children, Randy, Sherry, and Ellen.

After their wedding, they lived in Hobson, where Ted worked as a rancher for many years. In 1969, they moved to Lewistown, where Ted owned & operated Mountain Feeder in Lewistown. Years later, he owned & operated Lewistown Livestock Auction, which he owned for many years. He also worked for Lewistown Transfer, driving a horse-drawn hearse for Creel Funeral Home, and worked for Central Montana Crematorium until he officially retired at the age of 89.

His love of working with ALL livestock animals followed him throughout his life. His favorites included his dog & teams of Belgians. Ted worked with the team on the ranch, drove them in parades, and showed them. Those Belgians won him several trophies and ribbons. Ted’s other love was buying and selling cattle, which he did most of his life, giving him many adventures, so many memories, and lifelong friends- whose families he got to know on a personal basis. Ted was ever the gentleman, greeting everyone with a handshake and a smile, except the ladies he knew well; they received hugs! He knew how to treat all ladies- walking on the outside while escorting and always opening doors for them. These manners he passed down to his son and grandchildren.

His heart was huge for everyone he knew and loved. Ted delighted in giving you what you needed, even if that was just someone to listen to you. You can count on seeing Ted at the Pearly Gates there to welcome you when your time comes, with his cheerful greeting, “How are you doing?”

Ted was a member of the Lewistown Eagles Club, Moore Farmers Union, and Angus Association, to name a few.

Ted is survived by his wife of 64 years, Irene Dirkson of Lewistown, son Randy (Diane) Dirkson of Glasgow, daughter Sherry (Ron) Hallquist of Hobson, son-in-law Don Cerovski, siblings Joe (Pat) Dirkson, Jerry (Sharon) Dirkson, Diana (Brian) Zins, sisters-in-law Anna Marie Dirkson, Marcy Dirkson, grandchildren Kevin Dirkson, Keith Dirkson (Lindsay), Stefanie Smith (Marcus), Jolene Martin, Kyle Cerovski, Kelli (Cody) Tarver; his great-grandchildren: Octavian Martin, Leisetta Martin, Quinten Babcock, Kaia Dirkson, and Theodore Cerovski. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Ted is preceded in death by parents Ray & Sylvia, daughter Ellen Cerovski, brothers Chuck Dirkson, Ken Dirkson, nephews Brian Halverson, David Dirkson, sister-in-law Katie Dirkson, and nieces Roxann Howser, Betsy VanRaam, and Laurie Anderson.

Graveside services will be Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Philbrook Cemetery. Roy Koch will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ted’s name to the Cancer Center c/o CMMC Foundation, 408 Wendell Ave., Lewistown, MT 59457, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com