Barbara Faye Dykema, cherished wife, mother and grandmother, was called home to her Lord on February 21, 2025, at the age of 78. Barb fought a valiant battle with a variety of health issues and was surrounded by family at Meijer Heart Center when she passed.
Barb was born and raised in Zeeland, and she graduated from Holland Christian High School, where she met her beloved husband, Donald. Their high school romance flourished, and they celebrated 57 years of marriage last fall. Don and Barb raised their family in Holland, where they were active members of Christ Memorial Church. Both before and after retirement, they enjoyed many years of traveling on cruises, exploring the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Europe.
Barb especially loved children, and they loved her. She worked as a Nursery Coordinator at Christ Memorial Church for more than 30 years, and she also did in-home childcare. She loved watching her childcare “kids” grow up, marry and have children of their own. She also helped coach the Zeeland RoboDux, traveling with the team as their most enthusiastic cheerleader. In addition, she volunteered with Kids Hope and Evergreen Commons.
Barb is survived by her husband, Donald Dykema; her children and grandchildren Lee (Laura) Dykema, Amber, Isaac and Megan; Christy (James) Allen, Jason and Justin; brother, Robert Arnoldink; sister, Beth DenBleyker; brother-in-law Jerry Dykema; sister-in-law Beverly (David) Snyder; and several nieces and nephews.
She was pre-deceased by her parents, Ralph and Florda Arnoldink; sister-in-law, Karen Arnoldink; brother-in-law, Calvin DenBleyker; and sister-in-law, Elsa Dykema.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at The Foundry Church, 425 100th Ave. Zeeland, MI 49464. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 25 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423.
The family would like to thank SKLD Zeeland for their kindness and care for Barb over the past several weeks. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barb’s honor to Kids Hope or ZPS RoboDux.
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