John “Dutch” Van Dyk, age 95, of Highland, Indiana passed away on Friday, August 8, 2014 surrounded by his family.
Dutch was born on June 4, 1919 in Minnehaha, South Dakota, the son of Marvin J. and Adriana (Vander Lugt) Van Dyk. He attended elementary school in Colton, South Dakota. Dutch enlisted in the United States Army on April 9, 1941 where he served until June 28, 1945 when he was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant. Dutch married Alyda Phyllis Van Der Geest on November 14, 1946 in Highland, Indiana. He worked as a mechanic for Edwards Valve and Co in East Chicago, IN for a short time before going to work for Pleasant View Dairy. He worked there for 52 years before retiring in 1998.
Dutch was an active member of the First Christian Reformed Church where he served as an Elder for two years. He was a member of the Highland Christian School Board and Maintenance Service for six years.
Dutch is survived by his wife Alyda Van Dyk of Hobart, IN; four children: Ray (Kathy) Van Dyk of DeMotte, IN; JoAnn (Rick) Leatherby of Thornton, CO; Susan (Lynn Schwankl) Van Dyk of Castle Rock, CO; and Jill (Victor) McLendon of Johns Creek, GA; seventeen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Gertrude Bykerk, Anna Leep, Elizabeth Van Dyk; and a brother, Garrett Van Dyk.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kuiper Funeral Home in Highland, Indiana. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Life Christian Reformed Church in Highland, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Hope Cemetery in Highland. Should friends desire, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:www.stevensonandsons.com. Kuiper Funeral Home & Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 12, 2014
Kuiper Funeral Home
9039 Kleinman Rd
Highland, Indiana 46322
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 13, 2014
New Life Christian Reform Church
3010 Ridge Rd
Highland, Indiana 46322
Interment with Full Military Honors
Wednesday August 13, 2014
Hope Cemetery
Highland, Indiana 46322
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 12, 2014
Kuiper Funeral Home
9039 Kleinman Rd
Highland, Indiana 46322
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 13, 2014
New Life Christian Reform Church
3010 Ridge Rd
Highland, Indiana 46322
Interment with Full Military Honors
Wednesday August 13, 2014
Hope Cemetery
Highland, Indiana 46322
Share
Judd Rinsema says
Lyd, Ray, JoAnn, Susan and Jill (and families)
God’s blessings to each of you in this time of loss and celebration of Dutch’s life. He was a special person and gave of himself in so many ways to all, both in his generation and ours!
The Lord holds him in his arms. We too celebrate his life and faith.
Although we are far away (Washington state), our prayers and love are for you all both this week and in the coming weeks!
Love,
Judd and Linda
Kathy Boyle says
Dear Susan and family, we are thinking of you at this difficult time. The story of “Dutch’s” life is a special one. His contributions have been many. It is so unusual for any one to work for 52 years in one company! Through Dutch’s relationships with Alyda, as his wife of many years, Susan, Ray, JoAnn and Jill and the 17 grandchildren and great grandchildren he is leaving an amazing legacy.
Take care and we are thinking of you,
Kathy Boyle and the Nurse Executive Team at Denver Health
Melissa Duran says
Susan,
I am truly sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. May you find peace in all of the great memories you have of your dad. I know he meant the world to you and please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Duran
George Van Til says
Dear Friends and Relatives,
I’m so sorry I missed the visitation and funeral of Dutch Van Dyk. He was a dear, good man and his chats with me in recent were unforgettable and kind. Dutch was a friend of my father, Bill Van Til, for many years at the Dairy. My father died 40 years ago, so Dutch’s rememberances of him I will always cherish. I appreciate Dutch and I introduced him to my 20+ year old son who never met his grandfather. That was special for him to hear from Dutch about my father. I am happy that Dutch lived a long life, and I wish the best for Alyda and his offspring. I believe he was a special, God fearing man, with that smile and his good will to all. God Bless and keep you all
George W. Van Til