Gilbert Dykstra

Gilbert Jack Dykstra, age 88, of Jenison, Michigan, went home to his Lord on Sunday, January 8, 2023. He was preceded in death by the love of his life of 65 years, Marilyn Dykstra. He will be remembered by his children, Denise and Dave McLellan, Deb and Mike Kozal, Gil and Val Dykstra; seven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; brother, Phillip and Sharon MacFarlane; sister-in-law, Lois Grove; and close family friends, Nancy and Ricky Clemence; and many nieces and nephews. From his famous Sunday Sausage Smorgasbord to a simple family dinner, Gil brought love, laughter, song, and so many stories to a gathering. During these times his family learned that in ancient Egypt mushrooms were allowed to be consumed by commoners only under penalty of death. He also taught his family the meaning of “Eat Well” in German, that Borscht was a great soup (although we never had it). We got to know Mr. Horse, the Mayor of Sleepy Town, and as we entered the room and he asked us to turn around, he was so glad to see our back. (#dad joke) and above all nothing over 90. He leaves this world with his fingerprints in many areas starting with his love of the church and his deep faith in God which will go down as the pinnacle of his life. He also loved his church family at Cottonwood CRC where he played a role in the original organ selection committee. Gil was very active in jail ministry, and was key in the prayer chain right up until August 2022. Throughout this time, including his later years, he would never pass on the opportunity to witness and share his passion of faith. He always looked for the opportunity to teach or coach his expanding family as well as others who may have crossed his path.

As a young boy Gil faced many challenges, the biggest being the loss of his mother at a young age. However, surrounded by the love of his aunts and uncles, he found the true meaning of family. During this time, he was asked to participate (his words), “in some church thing” which turned out to be one of the first Billy Graham Crusades in Chicago. What was to be a place in the children’s chorus turned into a solo part for young Gil.

While serving his country in 1956, Army Specialist Four Gilbert J. Dykstra received recognition for his outstanding service while stationed in Izmir, Turkey, supporting Army and Air Force elements of Turkey and NATO. Upon his discharge, he worked as an insurance adjuster, which was an adventure. A highlight of his time in this field was having to climb to the top of one of the towers of the Mackinac Bridge on a windy day to investigate a claim. A few years later, Gil began a career in radio working at WFUR and WCUZ where he did some voice-over work but made his mark covering news stories for Networks, Local Radio and TV as well as the AP wire services. In the 1970’s, Gil hosted a radio talk show WMAX Radio. Over the years, as he gained the respect of his political contacts, he filed many stories out of Grand Rapids, Lansing and West Michigan providing narratives for the Associated Press, United Press International, several American Networks, and the B.B.C. in London, England, during Watergate and the Ford administration and beyond. In addition, he worked as a reporter and Field Producer for a local TV Production company, as well as panelist on the Channel 35 program, ‘West Michigan Week’ as an Election-debate Moderator.

Retired in May 1996, at age 62, Gil suggested an idea for an informational TV program to local community access channel WCET. It was to be a two-hour informational program known as ‘The Georgetown Journal’. For 24 years Gil had the opportunity to interview State, Federal and Local Officials. On May 14, 2010, Gil was recognized as the Distinguished Person of the Year by the Jenison / Grandville Chamber of Commerce for his work and community service on the Journal.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Cottonwood Church, 1101 Cypress Drive, Jenison, with Pastor Matt Palsrok officiating. The burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, January 11, from 4-7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, and on Thursday from 9:30-10:15 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Cottonwood Church. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.

In his own words…

But like the sun in western sky

That heralds the coming night

There’s another Son who will come from the high

Who heralds the coming “Light”

And in that day that’s coming

Our loved ones we shall meet.

Together we’ll sing at the throne of GOD

And our Joy will be complete.

~Gilbert J. Dykstra

October 2, 1950

The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed via this link: https://www.cottonwoodcrc.com/dykstra