Carol Dykman

Carol Dykman was a kind and compassionate woman, whose warm heart embraced not only her friends and family, but anyone who was in need. Whether it was volunteering at Meals on Wheels, participating in church activities, or simply cooking a meal for her beloved family, Carol happily spent her life taking care of those around her.

Carol was born on May 10, 1936, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her proud parents were John and Mary (Zoet) Wever. John supported the family by working as a cement contractor, while Mary stayed at home to raise their three children (Carol, Alvin and Jean). The Wevers lived on 954 Sigsbee Street SE, where Carol enjoyed roller skating, bike riding, jumping rope, and playing jacks. Carol grew up in a warm, close-knit family, and had many fond memories of family picnics in the park and trips to the lake. In the winters, when business was slow for John, the family vacationed in Florida.

When the time came for Carol to enroll in school, she attended first Baxter Christian School, and then Grand Rapids Christian High School. After completing tenth grade, Carol decided to leave school for the working world. Her first job was as a waitress, and she later moved on to a position at Bissell Homecare, a household goods manufacturing company.

After work, Carol occasionally went to sporting events with friends. One evening, at a football game on Houseman Field, Carol met the young man who would steal her heart – Norman Dykman. At that time, Norm was already working in the home painting and decorating business. After a courtship that lasted for four years, Carol and Norm were married at the Ranch House on June 29, 1956.

After a honeymoon in Northern Michigan, the young couple settled into an upstairs apartment on Broadway and Crosby NW. Carol loved her home, and took pleasure in keeping it in tip top shape. After the birth of her first child, Carol was happy to give up her job and become a full-time homemaker. In all, Carol and Norm were blessed with three children: Sandy, Lori and Steve. Carol created a loving home for her family, and always put their needs before her own. She was a great cook, and was especially famous for her gravy, pork roasts, salads, and chocolate chip cookies. Friday nights were one night she didn’t have to put a meal on the table, however – this was date night, and Norm and Carol always went out to eat. For vacations, the family enjoyed trips to Niagara Falls, Cedar Point, Mackinac Island, and to a cottage up north.

Carol loved music, and she played both the piano and the violin. Always the perfectionist, in her free time she took lessons to improve her skills. Although she often played classical pieces, her radio was usually tuned in to fifties music. She also enjoyed baking and floral arrangement, although she rarely kept the finished projects for herself – instead, she usually gave them away as gifts to friends and family. On Sundays, Carol faithfully attended services at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church, and throughout the week she was active in the church ladies society and the couples groups.

After retirement, Carol continued to actively pursue her hobbies and interests. She and Norm also began traveling to Florida more frequently, where they enjoyed wintering at Ft. Myers Beach.

Compassionate, loving, and kind, Carol was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Carol Joyce Dykman went to be with her Lord on April 7, 2012, at the age of seventy-five. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Wever; her brother, Alvin Wever; and her grandson, Ryan Terpstra. She is survived by her Norman, her husband of 55 years; her children, Sandy Balzarini of Ft. Myers, FL, Lori (Jeff) Terpstra of Dorr, and Steve (Jane) Dykman of Hudsonville; her grandchildren, Kyle and Kelly Terpstra, and Katie and Nick Dykman; her great-grandson, Travis Terpstra; her sister, Jean Bennett of Coopersville; her sister-in-law, Char and Marvin Westmaas of Wyoming; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, 11:00 AM at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church, corner of Leonard and Powers NW, with entombment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Memorial contributions to the Lacks Cancer Center, 250 Cherry St. SE 49503, Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE #300 49546, or to the Christian Rest Home Foundation, 1000 Edison NW 49504 would be appreciated. Please visit Carol’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign her online guest book.