(9-4-25) The two Minster teens who died in an early Labor Day morning crash in Auglaize County…Connor William Collins and Carter Joseph Dirksen. Both were 18.
Related:
Two Die In Auglaize County Crash
Obituary
Connor William Collins, age 18, of Minster, Ohio, died on Monday, September 1, 2025. He was born on March 10, 2007 in Fairfield, Ohio to Ted & Stephanie (Olding) Collins. They both survive in Minster. He is also survived by his sister Alexa, grandparents: Mike & Shirley Olding and Ellen Collins, great grandmother Irene Woehrmyer and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Connor was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, a 2025 graduate of Minster High School and a student at the University of Cincinnati studying computer science. He was on the Minster Track and Cross Country Teams and played CYO basketball. His passion for basketball was immense as he would shoot hoops in the driveway for hours and play with friends whenever he could. He also enjoyed listening to music, watching sports and hanging out with his family and friends in his spare time. Connor was a fun loving, caring young man who loved to make people laugh and will be deeply missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 8, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, Ohio with burial to follow in St. Augustine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster, on Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 2 to 6 PM and on Monday, September 8 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to start a scholarship in Connor’s name. Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.
Obituary
Carter Joseph Dirksen, age 18, of Minster, Ohio, died on Monday, September 1, 2025. He was born on September 7, 2006 in Sidney, Ohio to Jeffrey & Lisa (Bensman) Dirksen. They both survive in Minster. He is also survived by siblings: Logan Dirksen, Chase Dirksen, Sophia Dirksen and half-brother Tyler Dirksen, grandparents: Norma Bensman, Anita Dirksen, aunts and uncles and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by grandfathers: Ronald Bensman and Bernard Dirksen.
Carter was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, a 2025 graduate of Minster High School and a student at the University of Cincinnati where he was studying nursing. He enjoyed his time at UC and meeting new friends. Carter ran track and cross country, where his determination and energy inspired teammates. He participated at State for Minster High School Track and Cross Country Teams. Carter was very caring and was proud of donating blood at the school every chance he could. Carter was known for his adventurous spirit (sometimes too much for his mom’s sake). He loved animals, especially dogs, and spending time outdoors. Whether he was hiking, boating with family or sitting around a campfire with friends, he found joy in nature and in the people he shared it with. Carter also loved his snacks! He will be forever missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, Ohio with burial to follow in St. Augustine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster, on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 3 to 8 PM and on Tuesday, September 9 from 9:00 to 9:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to start a scholarship in Carter’s name. Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.
Mercer County Outlook 