Hi! I found your message indicating your mother-in-law came to Kansas from Russia. I also have family of Dirksen Duerksen, that came from Russia to Kansas. The Morris Marion County KS. areas. Would that be the county that your M.I.L. was in?
I am searching for any info. on Martin K. and Catherine Reimer-Dirksen/Duerkson. (also found many various spelling of last name on numerous documents). Martin K. Catherine had total of 10 children: Marten, Peter P. Elizabeth, Nicholas, Jacob D., Abraham, Katherina, Aganeta, Helenia, John J. Church records from the Alexanderwohl Church in Marion County, KS. indicate that the family came from Sparrau, Molotschna Colony, Russia. My direct line of ancestors comes thru Peter P. Duerksen/Dirksen. He married 1st. Sarah Weiler/2nd. Elizabeth Loewen. Had total of 18 children, all born in the Lehigh, Marion County, KS. area.
Would love to hear that we may have some kind of connection! Kathy