Dennis Arthur Dykstra

Dennis Arthur Dykstra reported to work in Heaven on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, also at Fry Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery. After the committal, family and friends are invited to return to the funeral home for a luncheon in Dennis’s honor.

Memorials may be directed to the Tipton Lions Club or Trinity United Church of Christ. Online condolences, fond memories, and photos may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Dennis was born on Valentine’s Day in 1946 to Jacobus “James” and Mary Peterson Dykstra. He attended South Union Rochester #6 Country School until high school and graduated from Wilton High School in 1964. He received a certificate from Dean Institute in 1965 and was recruited to join the United States Navy based on his computer knowledge. He proudly served from 1965 to 1971 as a Comp Tech and performed classified radio work aboard the P3‑Orion during Vietnam. In 2023, he was honored to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Dennis married the love of his life, Linda Shaull, on September 4, 1971, and together they had two children, Jeff and Denise. He worked hard on his farms and could often run circles around others with his dedication and refusal to accept limitations due to health or age. He would do anything for anyone, often putting others’ needs before his own.

He loved animals and enjoyed looking at beautiful scenery. If he veered a little to the side of the road, it was from staring just a little too long at the beautiful countryside. He devoted much of his free time to raising livestock and helping his children with their 4‑H and FFA projects, all while working full‑time at CAT, JM, and North Star/Gerdau Shredder, where he later retired.

Dennis was honored to serve as caregiver for his soulmate, Linda, for many years. He was also deeply proud of his work and lifelong friendships in the Tipton Lions Club. He received the highest awards a Lions member can achieve and served one year as President. His volunteer work included placing flags, KidSight screenings, building ramps, serving food at Lions events, parking cars, Peace Poster and Scholarship Committees, selling Christmas trees, serving as a board member, Lions International Representative, and serving on the Jail Committee.

He continued volunteering with Volunteer Services until after Linda’s passing and remained on the board for many years.

Dennis cherished his wife, children, nieces, nephews, and his sister‑in‑law, Rita. He loved their fun‑loving antics and especially treasured hearing “Uncle Denny” from the little ones. He also enjoyed the company of his neighbors, who will miss him dearly. Though the void he leaves is immeasurable, the reunion with his soulmate brings comfort.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents, James “Cobe” and Mary; siblings Jim Dykstra, Janet Catlin, Karen Jacobs, and Robert “Bob” Dykstra; brother‑in‑law Erling Catlin; nephew Scott Catlin; and niece Monica (Jacobs) Bell.

He is lovingly survived by his children Jeff (Cindy) Dykstra of Stanwood and Denise Dykstra of Moscow; niece Kelly Garvin and her children Taylor, Alexa, and Gunner; nephew BJ (Erin) Dykstra and their daughter Della; niece Shannon (Jorge) Varela and their children Anthony, Deanna, Alexio, Ezio, and Bayek Arthur Varela Dykstra; nephew Chad Shaull; niece Heather Miller; and neighbors Kory, Kaylee, Lauren, and Claire Wehmeyer.