Robert A. Dykstra

When reflecting on the life of Robert Dykstra, words such as hardworking, driven, and ambitious come to mind; however, perhaps the word that paints the most vivid picture of his life is selfless. He was always looking for ways to help others. Born with a natural way for accepting all people, Robert lived his life to the fullest. His wonderful collection of memories will be his greatest gift to all who knew and loved him.

The Roaring Twenties was a period of economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge. Jazz music, as well as the automotive industry, were booming. With the media focused on sports heroes and movie figures, his loving parents eagerly welcomed home their own celebrity, Robert Anthony, on April 1, 1923, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born the youngest of eight children, his birth brought his parents great joy.

Growing up on Cumming Street NW, Robert lived a typical childhood of the times. His father, John Dykstra raised livestock and worked in the meat business, as well as working as a builder. His mother was a wonderful homemaker. Robert and his older brothers were needed in his father’s business, so he left school after the eighth grade to work with them. One by one the brothers were drafted until it was his turn. He proudly served in the United States Army Corps from 1943-1946. Returning from the war, the brothers took over the meat business, formally known as Dykstra Bros Beef. His knowledge of the family business and the convenience of having it on their family’s property made it easy to stay for a remarkable forty years. Well known throughout the community, their largest customer was the then emerging grocery chain, Meijer, Inc. Robert never regretted these years as he loved the work and enjoyed providing for his family over the years.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Evelyn Carlsen. The two of them joined in marriage and welcomed home three wonderful children; Robert B. “Bruce”, Erica, and Dana. Although they enjoyed sharing the responsibilities of being parents, their marriage ended after thirty years when their youngest daughter, Dana was ten years old. As a dad, Robert remained very active in their lives and never missed out on any of their sporting or special school events. The children tagged along to some of the livestock auctions he attended over the years and every summer he made plans to take Dana and a friend on a trip to wherever they wanted to go! They visited Knoxville, Tennessee and went to the horse races, as well as many baseball games. Many of their vacations as a family, however, have extraordinary stories to go with them! Straight out of a Griswold movie, they always seemed to have something go wrong! A favorite destination was their regular stop at the Michillinda Lodge in Whitehall. His son, Bob, joined him in the business and was exceptional in spotting a good worker when it came time to hire new staff. The two of them spent many long hours on the job and would not have had it any other way.

Despite how busy his life was with the business and the kids, Robert never wavered in his faith life. He attended church regularly at Faith Lutheran Church where he made many lasting friendships with fellow parishioners. Family, church, and golf were his three favorite pastimes. When he wasn’t in church or attending a family event, he was out on the course at either the Greenridge Country Club and later Egypt Valley Country Club. Eventually, he met his dance floor companion, Marcia Voet, who shared many memorable moments with him. Over the course of their thirty-five year relationship, they enjoyed traveling, dancing, and visiting good friends. When he turned ninety years old, he was able to take a bucket list trip out west to Salt Lake City, Utah to visit the Mormon Tabernacle as well as Camp Kearns where he was stationed. From there, they toured San Francisco’s famous Alcatraz, and drove down the coast of Highway 1 in California to see the giant Redwoods in addition to whale watching in Monterey Bay. They wrapped up their trip with a stop in Las Vegas to take in the sights at Caesars Palace. Robert never stopped talking of this trip! Above all, he adored his family. Any amount of time he spent with his children and grandchildren were his greatest treasures.

Robert lived his life full of integrity. He instilled in his family the rich values that helped him be successful throughout his own life. He encouraged his loved ones to follow in the teachings of Jesus and to read their Bible daily as all good comes from the wisdom of God. Fun loving, kind, and a good listener, there is no doubt that he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for generations to come.

Robert A. Dykstra went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 26, 2020 at the age of 97. Robert was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Evelyn; sisters; Jeanette, Wilma, Pat and Bessie; and his brothers; Gerald, Sibley and John. Robert is survived by his son, Robert B. (Sally), and his daughters Erica (Bill) Eldred and Dana (Craig) Saunders; many grandkids who he loved dearly, many friends in West Michigan and special friend, Marcia Voet. Robert served three years in the US Air Force on Tinian Island in the Pacific Ocean during the bombing of Japan in 1944-1945. Bob and his brothers operated The Dykstra Beef Company for about 40 years. He was an avid golfer and loved all sports for over 65 years and loved dancing with Marcia. Bob will be missed but looked forward to his acceptance with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The service to remember and celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Thursday, September 3 at 12 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel where friends are invited to visit with his family from 11 AM until the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to a church or charity of your choice. To share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com