Jack L. Dykstra

Mr. Jack Louis Dykstra, age 76, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Grand Rapids from a brain hemorrhage. He was born in his favorite season, springtime, May 13, 1931 in Muskegon to the late Joseph and H. Fanny (Beddo) Dykstra, and had resided in the area all of his life. Jack graduated from Muskegon High School in 1949, and went on to receive his Associate degree from Muskegon Community College, Bachelor degree from Western Michigan University, and Masters degree from Michigan State University. He served his country in Korea in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Jack taught mathematics for Grand Haven High School for 30 years. He was a member of Westwood Reformed Church, Viking Linne Lodge 57, past President of the Y's Men, GHEA, MEA and NEA. On December 29, 1956, he married the former Marlene E. DeVette. Together they traveled to Seoul, Korea for their 50th wedding anniversary to visit their daughter. Jack loved to laugh and always had a smile on his face. SURVIVORS include his wife, Marlene; 2 children, Douglas and (Diana) Dykstra of Alexandria, VA, and Denise (Robert) Lamoureux of Seoul, Korea; 2 grandchildren, Colleen Megan and Jack Douglas Lamoureux; 5 sisters, Helen (Gerald) DeLoy of Brooklyn, MI, Margaret Hall of Montague, Joan Buckley of Muskegon, Joyce Twiest of Nunica, Mary (Brian) Connell of Cheyenne, WY; and 38 nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Harold. SERVICES will be 12 Noon Wednesday at Westwood Reformed Church with Rev. David S. Dahlberg officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 4-7 PM Tuesday at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100 and 1 hour prior to the service at church. Burial will take place in Norton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Gift of Life at 2203 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, MI will be appreciated.