Dorothy Dykstra

Dorothy Mae (DeZeeuw) Dykstra, daughter of John A. and Gerritdena (Hubers) DeZeeuw, was born in Sioux Center, Iowa on June 9, 1924.  After a brief illness and surrounded by loved ones, she died at Sioux Center Health on Sunday, June 10, 2018.

 Dorothy grew up in Sioux Center and graduated from Sioux Center High School in 1941. After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist at Wandscheer Manufacturing.

 Dorothy was a lifelong member of First Reformed Church in Sioux Center.   She was active in her circle, led Bible studies, and also played the organ for a number of years.  She met Reinard Dykstra of Orange City after he sent her a letter commending her musicianship upon hearing her play at a funeral he had attended at First Reformed.

 Dorothy and Reinard were married at First Reformed Church on February 16, 1949. They made their home in and around Sioux Center, where they raised five children. Dorothy worked for many years as the receptionist and bookkeeper for Schouten Plumbing and Heating.

 Reinard died on February 19, 1983.

 The fullness of Dorothy and Reinard’s life and love together was richly blessed by the depth of their faith together.  Bible reading, devotional reading, and prayer were part of every meal.  Worship, rest, and family were part of every Sabbath.  Together they modeled Biblical generosity by practicing first fruits tithing.  On her 94th birthday, the day before she died, she was soothed by the singing of favorite hymns at her bedside.

 After retiring from Schouten’s, Dorothy volunteered for many years as a foster grandparent and math classroom assistant in both Rock Valley and Sioux Center Community Schools.  For her volunteer service, she was honored with membership in the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame, for which she was recognized by Governor of Iowa in 2009.

 Dorothy moved to Franken Manor of Sioux Center in January of 2012, until moving to Royale Meadows in June of 2017.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Bruce (Lorene) Dykstra of Ventura, Iowa; Muriel (Rev. David) Loveall of Sheldon, Iowa; Rev. Roger (Kathi) Dykstra of North Liberty, Iowa; Lora (Roger) TeSlaa of Inwood, Iowa; and Gary (Laura) Dykstra of Libertyville, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Josh (Dr. Jackie) Dykstra, David II (Melissa Hamley) Loveall, Beckie (Jason Krob) Loveall, Jonathan Loveall, Melissa Dykstra, Bethany (Josh) Mullinix, Scott Dykstra, and Amy Dykstra; and five great-grandchildren: Katja and Riley Loveall, Jeremie, Teegan, and Nevaeh Mullinix; her sister, Mary Jean Wynja, and her brother, John E. De Zeeuw.

 Beckie Loveall played a special role in her grandmother’s life, always making sure her physical and medical needs were met.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three stillborn infants;  brother-in-law, Joe Wynja; and sister-in-law, Greta De Zeeuw.  

     Memorials are preferred for First Reformed Church in Sioux Center or Village Northwest in Sheldon.