Dale E. Jirik

Dale E. Jirik, 92, of Topeka, passed away on June 23, 2019 at Midland Care.

He was born on July 7, 1926 in Russell, KS the son of John Peter Jirik and Adah Blanche (Eaton) Jirik.

He grew up in Abilene, KS, graduating from Abilene High School in 1944. He went on to earn secondary degrees from Kansas State University in History and Psychology. He obtained his Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri.

He served his country in the United States Navy. Dale was a proud and patriotic American.

Dale married Earlene Faron on August 31, 1948 in Abilene, KS. They spent 70 wonderful years together. She survives. Other survivors include daughter, Carolyn Francis; two granddaughters, Allison Malmstrom (Dr. Matthew Malmstrom), Elizabeth Slack (Kiva); great-grandchildren, Cooper Malmstrom, Ada Malmstrom; and sister, Janet Kelehar (Ernest).

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Doris Leach.

He worked as the Director of Admissions for Mental Health Institutions for the State of Kansas, within the department of SRS.

He was a very active member of Countryside United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Lincoln Club of Topeka, Board member of the Gettysburg Lincoln Forum, Kiwanis Club of Downtown Topeka, NARFE, Warde-Meade Garden Club, a Life Member of the KSU Alumni Association, Topeka Area Water Garden Society "TAWGS", and the Topeka Area Catbackers. He was also a founding member of the Topeka Treasure Hunters.

Dale was a natural leader. He loved his work, especially preparing and presenting his talks on Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Dwight Eisenhower. He will be remembered for always putting others first. He especially enjoyed the time he spent volunteering.

He was very involved in organizing the Abilene High School Class Reunions, having just celebrated his 75th High School Reunion. He played football in high school. He also played intramural football during his time at KSU. He was a proud KSU Alumni.

Dale loved finding the perfect card, or a special gift to celebrate important events. During his later years, his daughter assisted him in carrying on this tradition. Above all else, he was incredibly proud of his family and valued all of his friendships.

He accomplished so much during his 92 years, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends during a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2019 at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS 66611. A celebration of Dale's life will follow at 10:00 a.m. Private burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd. Topeka, KS 66611, Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st Topeka, KS 66604, Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc., PO Box 8350 600 N Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66608 or to Kiwanis Club Foundation, c/o Wendling Noe Nelson & Johnson LLC, 534 South Kansas Avenue, Suite 1500, Topeka, KS 66603.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is handling arrangements. To leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.