My View – July 2024

ON JUNE 8, more than 100 friends gathered in the Jacksonville Cemetery at the Sexton’s tool shed for a marker dedication ceremony to honor Dirk Siedlecki, who passed away in 2023. The ceremony was officiated by Eric Rogers, current president of the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery. As Eric noted, in 2008, Dirk and Mary Siedlecki, along with Stan Lyon and Don Cady, formed the non-profit group, the primary purpose of which was to create an inventory of gravesites, restore and preserve monuments and to support ongoing maintenance of the cemetery.

With an initial grant of $1000 and additional funds from the Jacksonville Boosters Club, Dirk, Mary, Stan and Don took on the 28-acre cemetery that contains over 5,500 burials located in its 7 Sections. Dirk, and a cadre of specially-trained volunteers, undertook this much needed work and over the years countless restorations have been completed. Dirk also focused on the preservation of monuments through the Monthly Marker Cleaning program which trains volunteers on the proper methods to clean and preserve monuments, curbing, fences and decorative urns.

Dirk continuously promoted interest in the cemetery through various educational events and programs such as Monthly History Saturday talks, guided tours, Meet the Pioneers, Story Boards, Brochures, Flags for Veterans, and creating a FOJHC website with loads of information and history.

During Covid, Dirk expanded volunteerism through the Adopt-a-Block program which has grown to over 200 volunteers donating their time to help maintain the overall appearance of the cemetery. Dirk felt that how well a cemetery is cared for tells a lot about the community.

The dedication marker reads:

Dirk Siedlecki

The Jacksonville Historic Cemetery’s Best Friend

A dedicated leader, admired by all.

His respect for Oregon’s pioneers illuminated their

stories and restored their resting place.