Dirk Climenhaga

(ALBION)

Dirk Climehaga has ascended into his heavenly home and is whole and healthy once again. Dirk passed at Highland hospital on October 8 following a long illness. Dirk was a bone marrow transplant survivor and was thankful for the last 5 years with family and friends.

Dirk was born April 20th,1957 to Nancy (Culotta) and Lloyd Climenhaga. He grew up in Medina and graduated from Medina High school in 1975. The joy of his high school years was playing trumpet in the Mustang Marching Band under the direction of Joseph McCain. Dirk married the love of his life, Sandra J Sanders, at Yates Baptist Church November 7, 1981.They made their home in Albion, welcoming three boys.

Dirk was a life-long learner. He attended the University of Dayton, Roberts Wesleyan College and Genesee Community College where he earned his Associates of Science in Design. Shortly after receiving his degree Dirk moved from the assembly line at Kodak into the design work of Kodak copiers. While there Dirk designed a copier mechanism that allowed handicap use. He was awarded a patent for that design in 1996. Dirk’s skills moved him into government work where he worked on the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. As much as he loved the creative work he did professionally, Dirk’s favorite job was in his retirement years. He volunteered at the Hoag Library and was excited when they hired him as a library associate. This fulfilled a years-long desire to work in his hometown and have community interaction. He worked the “B shift” with Sue Davis and Charlene Bloom and oversaw the library's 3D Printer program.

Dirk is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Sandra J. Climenhaga; sons, McKinley (Ilex), Tyler, and Reilly (Alexandria); his mother, Nancy Climenhaga; grandchildren, Dylan, Emma, Kai, Connor, Lincoln, Wyatt and Levi; siblings, Rhoda Climenhaga, Royd (Kelly) Word, and John Climenhaga; and many beloved cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Dirk’s faith in God and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ were front and center in his life. He served as Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and hosted small groups for Bible study. He always felt blessed despite illnesses that hampered his serving in later years. Dirk and Sandy attended Lyndonville’s Yates Baptist, and then Albion Free Methodist Church. These congregations brought him many cherished friendships that added a richness to his life. Friends he prayed and worshiped with, friends he prayed for. The family is thankful to all those that have been woven into the fabric of Dirk’s life.

Dirk had a special place in his heart for his medical team. The family gives special thanks to Dr. Aljitawi, Connie and Alicia at Wilmott’s bone marrow unit. The nurses at the infusion center made his treatment days more than tolerable with their sweet smiles. He truly loved them all. Dirk called Strong Hospital his “second home” and received amazing care. The family thanks the nurses and staff at Highland hospital for the incredible care during the final weeks Dirk was on this earth.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Avenue-Albion, THURSDAY OCTOBER 15th from 4-7. Family and friends are invited to attend A Celebration of Dirk’s Life on FRIDAY OCTOBER 16th in the Community of Hope Free Methodist Church, (Corner of East State and Platt Streets in Albion), beginning at 7PM. Private interment will be held in Boxwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be to: The Hoag Library, 134 S. Main Street, Albion, NY, 14411.

To share a special memory of Dirk, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com