David Gordon Dykema

Dykema,

David Gordon

Muskegon, Michigan

David Gordon Dykema, age 89, passed away Friday, August 11, 2023. He was born in Muskegon, MI on January 19, 1934 to Cornelius & Henrietta (VanderStelt) Dykema, graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and served his country in the US Army in Germany during the Cold War era. He married the former Floy Ann Howard on July 12, 1957 and she preceded him in death in 2005. Mr. Dykema received his teaching degree from Western Michigan University and had been employed as an elementary school teacher for Reeths Puffer Schools for 32 years until retiring.

David was truly a dedicated teacher who loved working with children and always put forth the extra time and effort needed to do the best job that he could to benefit his students. He believed in each student and their potential. With his dedication and hard work he built relationships with his students, families, and the community. While teaching was his primary function at Reeths-Puffer Schools, David was also actively involved in the teachers union, having been a team member on the original and final draft of the very first union contract allowed by Michigan law between the teachers and Reeths-Puffer Board of Education. He also served as President of the RPEA, was involved with negotiating contracts, and a union building representative for many years.

From the age of 14 David worked as a sign painter, commercial artist for the City of Muskegon, Langlois Stores, Style Trend Kitchens, and various local businesses that retained his service for sign painting. He also enjoyed cross-stitch, sewing, making baby quilts, handmade Christmas cards, and teaching upholstery class for community education for several years. He liked doing home construction projects, and making doll houses for family and friends. Dave was a former member of Northside Bible Church and had been attending New Life Christian Center. His faith and strong family bonds were the center of his beliefs. He was brought up in a large family with Christian values which gave him the caring, kind, and genuine personality in his adulthood.

SURVIVORS

daughter, Suella (Edward) Bailey; grandchildren, Alexandor Dykema-Flermoen, Samantha Dykema, McKay Dykema; great-grandchildren, Piper, Paisley, Jasper, Hazel; special niece, Katie Terranover; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and students. He was preceded in death by his wife Floy Ann; Son, Gordon; siblings, Helen, Katherine, Dorothy, Sarah, John, Bob, Andrew & Baby John

SERVICE

Thursday, August 17, 2023, 11:00 AM at Clock Funeral Home with Pastor Joe L. Lane II officiating. Interment in Laketon Township Cemetery.

VISITATION

Wednesday, 16th of August, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: American Cancer Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.

Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon