Arthur “Art” Dykstra Sr.
Arthur Dean Dykstra, Sr.
Arthur “Art” Dykstra Sr.
May 1, 1936 – December 11, 2014
Eddyville, Iowa | Age 78
Arthur Dean Dykstra, Sr., 78, of Eddyville, died Thursday, December 11, 2014, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. Art was born May 1, 1936, in Oskaloosa, the son of Alva and Nellie Fern Denburger Dykstra.
On April 6, 1958, Art was married to Alta May Orfield at the Nazarene Church in Grinnell. Art loved the outdoors, he was a farmer his entire life and took great pride in being a good steward of the land, and caring for his animals. He started out farming by milking cows by hand, raising hogs and row crops. In February of 1960, Art purchased 120 acres to farm. He also purchased the home farm, and later purchased a 3rd farm, making his farming operation 400 acres. He also worked in the coal mines and ran heavy equipment.
In his retirement years he enjoyed helping his family and neighbors on the farm and with their “demo cars”. Art was a kind and helpful friend that would help anyone. He loved fishing, mushroom hunting, and working in the timber, especially when his grandchildren and great grandchildren would join him. He always had time to share stories with family and friends. Art loved listening to country music and watching animals.
Art served on the Coal Creek Cemetery Board, and was instrumental in initiating and organizing the Twin Cedars FFA program.
His family includes his wife of over 56 years, Alta Dykstra of Eddyville; four children and their spouses: Peggy (& Richard) Lettington, Jr. of Eddyville, Art (& Julie) Dykstra, Jr. of Eddyville, Paulina (& Vernon) Sanders of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and William (& Connie) Dykstra of Eddyville; ten grandchildren: Richard (& Meghan) Lettington, III, Anthony Lettington, Loren Lettington, Joshua Dykstra, Amber Dykstra, Sarah (& Ryan) Lekin, Katie Sanders, Angela Dykstra, William (& Sadie) Dykstra, Kimberly Burk; 17 great grandchildren: Stryker, Harper, Briar and Hadley Lettington, Emma Dykstra, Max Lowe, Hunter Dykstra, Charlotte, Hannah and Elijah Lekin, Patrick Dykstra, Laura Cassill, Carson and Garrett Dykstra, Kyle, Destiny and Silas Burk; a brother and his wife, Donald (& Annie) Dykstra; a sister, Janet Miller; several brothers and sisters in law; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Art was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 15, 2014, at 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Dwayne Poe officiating.
Burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery rural Mahaska County. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Sunday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 1:30-3:30 Sunday afternoon to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the North Bethel Christian Church.
