Carmen Rose Dirkswager was born August 11, 1914 in De Graff, Minnesota, the daughter of Frederick Louis and Leah Cecelia (Chevalier) Martin. She grew up and attended grade school in De Graff. Carmen graduated from Murdock High School. On February 2, 1940, Carmen was united in marriage to Harry Joseph Dirkswager at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in DeGraff by Father Troy. The couple was blessed with a daughter. Harry died in 1958. Together, Carmen and Harry were able to share in 18 years of marriage. Carmen lived in De Graff and she worked at her father's grocery store there. Later, she worked at Future Products in Benson. In 2003, she moved into Benson and lived at Park View Manor. In December of 2008, she moved to Bethesda Pleasantview in Willmar. Carmen was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Among the things she enjoyed were playing cards, crocheting, dancing and baking. Carmen was called from this life on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at Bethesda Pleasantview in Willmar. She attained the age of 94 years, 8 months and 14 days. Carmen is survived by her daughter, Ann (EuGene) Fernholz of De Graff; four grandchildren: Tim (Annette) Fernholz of De Graff, Angela Fernholz of Willmar, Heidi (Brad) Dallmann of Lake Lillian, and Jennifer (Scott) Fernholz-Keppers of Hugo; seven great grandchildren: Jason, Mitchell & Kristen Fernholz, Brian & Michael Wandersee, and Kayla & Natasha Dallmann; a sister, Lillian Gilles of Fairfax; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Harry; and her parents, Frederick and Leah.