Alvin Dykhuizen

As family and friends can certainly attest, Alvin Dykhuizen truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and nothing brought him greater joy than surrounding himself with those he loved. Dearly loved, Al will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The 1920s were exciting years to be in the United States. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, ushered in great economic and social change. Motion pictures became widely available in both color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music became wildly popular as well. October 1929 saw the historical stock market crash that would usher the nation into the Great Depression. It was during this influential time that William and Dora (VanderWest) Dykhuizen of West Michigan were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their firstborn. On December 10, 1929, they welcomed their son, Alvin William, into the world.

Growing up, Al was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on Martindale Avenue alongside his two younger siblings, Harold and Doris. Al was very close with both Harold and Doris throughout their childhoods and beyond. The Dykhuizen family attended the church directly across the street, Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, where Al built the foundation for the faith that would serve him well for his entire life. He spent many hours playing with other children in the neighborhood, and from a young age, he had a passion for fishing. The family also enjoyed renting cottages throughout Michigan during the summers. Al attended local schools, including Southwest Christian and Grand Rapids Christian High School. He went on to study engineering for two years at Calvin College. All throughout his education, Al was an exceptional and hardworking student who excelled academically.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Al as he met the woman who would soon become his wife. Her name was Doris Heyboer, and the two first met at her workplace, the Economy Office Supply Company. There was an instant spark between them, and it quickly became clear that they were made for each other. Al and Doris were married on January 11, 1951, at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds took a honeymoon to Niagara Falls, then settled down in their first apartment in Grand Rapids.

All who knew Al can surely agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his loved ones above all else. He and his wife, Doris, were overjoyed to welcome their three daughters, Ellen, Beth, and Barb, into their hearts and home. Al truly thrived in his role as a father, and he was a supportive, Godly role model for his children. Though he was devastated to lose his beloved Doris in 1981, he was always grateful for the years they shared together. Later in life, Al was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather as well. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. Al always considered himself blessed to watch his family tree grow to include so many loved ones.

At the age of 52, Al was fortunate to find love once again with a woman named Jackie Stanley-Houtstra. The two were first introduced by a mutual friend, Cynthia Byle, and they immediately formed a special bond. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Al and Jackie were joined in marriage, and Al’s family grew with the addition of Jackie’s three children, Ron, Sharon and Rick, as well. The two would go on to spend forty wonderful years together.

Al was never afraid to work hard in order to provide for himself and his loved ones. Following the completion of his education, he served in the United States Army as an infantry radio maintenance technician during the Korean Conflict. Al was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, for a time. After his service, he then began working at his father-in-law’s business, Heyboer Heating and Cooling. Al went on to build a fulfilling career for himself in heating and cooling, and he retired after 45 years of hard work.

Never one to sit still for long, Al pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He enjoyed tinkering with electronics, and he even built the family entertainment system from scratch. Al had a lifelong love for model train sets. He liked to sing and play the piano and organ, and he collected a large variety of stamps over the years. Al was an avid reader of The Banner newspaper, and he also enjoyed reading books about history or model railroads. His favorite music were hymns and gospel music, and he loved listening to The Gaithers. Al was not a great cook, but he did enjoy weekly Saturday dinners at the Rainbow Grill in Grandville. He would often travel to visit family, and he made a memorable train trip through the Western United States. He visited Florida, and in his retirement years, he and his wife, Jackie, traveled to the Netherlands.

Al’s faith formed the unshakeable foundation of his life. He and his family were members of West Leonard Christian Reformed Church, then Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church. Al was very active within the church. He served as an elder, a deacon, a Cadets counselor, and a Westside Christian School board member. Al was also involved with Crossroads Bible Ministry, Stephens Ministry, and Mission India. His favorite Bible verses were 1 Peter 1:8-9 and Galatians 2:20, and he strove every day to live for Christ.

When reflecting on the life of Alvin Dykhuizen, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and he was a shining example of kindness and faith. Though he will be deeply missed, Al leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Alvin “Al” William Dykhuizen, age 94, of Grand Rapids, MI, entered his eternal home on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 and is now rejoicing with his Lord and Savior.

Alvin was born December 10, 1929, in Grand Rapids, MI to the late William and Dora [VanderWest] Dykhuizen.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Doris [Heyboer] Dykhuizen who died in 1981, brother Harold Dykhuizen, sister Doris VerMerris, and son-in-law Richard Burke.

Alvin is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jacquelyn “Jackie” [Stanley-Houtstra] Dykhuizen, and children Ellen Wierenga, Beth Burke, and Barbara Dadswell as well as by stepchildren Ron Houtstra, Sharon (Ron) DeWinter, and Rick (Toni) Houtstra.

Also surviving are grandchildren and great-grandchildren Anita (Wierenga) and Tyler Buitenwerf (Ian and Leah), Amy (Wierenga) and Luis Felipe Perez-Costa (Elias, and Clara), Kim (Burke) and Kevin Anderson (Lindsey, Tyler, and Zachary), Tom and Rebecca Burke (Liam, Layla, and Luka), Nick and Zak Dadswell; step-grandchildren Rebecca (Houtstra) and Geoff Stein (Braylee), Allison, Jonathan, and Amanda Houtstra. Al is also survived by his sisters-in-law Jo Dykhuizen, Kathleen (Heyboer) and Jerry Brecker and several nieces and nephews.

A service to remember and celebrate Alvin’s life will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt Shawmut Chapel, (2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504).

Friends may visit with his family prior to the service beginning at 10 AM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Mission India, (PO Box 141312, Grand Rapids, MI 49514), are appreciated.

To share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com