Larry Dykstra, age 84, of Holland, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at Resthaven Care Center.
Larry was born in Holland, Michigan, on October 22, 1940, to Milton and Johanna Dykstra. He graduated from Holland High School in 1958 and Hope College in 1962. He later went on to get his master’s degree from Western Michigan University. Larry was a math teacher in the Lakewood school system, Hastings High School and Hastings Middle School. In addition, he coached football, baseball and girl’s softball. After retirement, Larry worked for Landscape Design in their billing department. Larry met his beautiful wife, Mary, at Jack’s Drive-In and they married in 1964. Larry loved all sports. He grew up playing baseball and eventually played for Hope college. His kids always loved to brag that their dad scored a perfect 300 in bowling. Larry loved to golf with his kids and grandkids, and you would regularly find him in the stands cheering them on at their various events. It did not matter how far he had to travel; Grandpa would be there. Larry loved the Lord. He was a faithful member of Lake Odessa CRC (Harvest Church) for 30 years and Central Wesleyan of Holland for 30 years. He often said he felt closest to God while fishing, hunting, camping or hiking in the mountains of Colorado. One of the things he and Mary enjoyed the most was to travel. Israel was one of the greatest memories they shared. Larry was known by many for his quick wit and sense of humor that stuck with him even into his last days. But ultimately, Larry was known best for the way he loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and now great-grandfather. You could not sit in a room with him without hearing a story about one of them, sometimes on repeat. There was never a doubt how much he loved them and how proud he was of them.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Johanna Dykstra; and brothers-in-law, Dwayne “Tiger” Teusink, Melvin Timmer, and Dom Misuraca.
Larry is survived by his:
Wife of 60 years, Mary Dykstra
Children
Debra (TJ) Bratt
David (Kristi) Dykstra
Diane (Troy) Van Dyke
Grandchildren
Tyler (Sarah) Bratt
Kyle Bratt & Haley Szpara
Ellie (Ross) Busscher
Dylan (Annie) Dykstra
Logan Dykstra
Jordan Dykstra
Benjamin (Kari) David
Noah (Maria) Van Dyke
Samuel Van Dyke
Elijah Van Dyke
Great Grandchildren
Frankie Ayala
Blake Dykstra
Bennett Busscher
Harper Bratt
Haven Busscher
Shaluwa David
Bridget David
Judah David
Sisters
Shirley Teusink
Marlene Misuraca
In-Laws
Jan (Steve) Busscher
Carol (Flip) Roelofs
Rick (Geri) Timmer
Ron (Linda) Timmer
Funeral services are planned for 11:00am Saturday, January 25 in the Chapel at Central Wesleyan Church (Entrance G), 446 W 40th St., Holland. Pastor Mike McKay of Central Wesleyan Church and Pastor Ben Ridder of Harvest Church in Lake Odessa will officiate. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00-8:00pm Friday, January 24 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Speaks (joinhopespeaks.org) and Kids Hope (kidshopeusa.org).
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