Book of Memories for Thomas Alvin Dykstra

Condolence From Chelsi Holcomb

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Dear family of Tom... My prayers are with you in this time of such a sad loss. I have taken care of Tom since he moved into to Harbor Crest. Through the years Tom and I have become close he sure was a great guy. A special memory that i'll never forget is Tom never could pronounce my name he always called me Chestly at first I tried correcting him but after a while it was to funny and I just expected it. Chestly became my nickname throughout the facility. Such great memories I have with him theres just not enough paper to share them all. May God be with each and every one of you throughout the following days! May my prayers be with you all!! Love lots Chelsi Holcomb

Condolence From Eileen Hartman Holler

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

It is with great sadness that I write this final memorial to Tom. Tom was the only father I had after my parents died. I am very grateful that he and Elizabeth took Ken and me into their home at such a young age and raised us as though we were their own. This allowed us to stay in Fulton, attend the Fulton Christian School, and grow up with our many cousins, which were all so important to me. I loved growing up on the farm. I loved the busy farm life and the exposure to all the animals. It was the best thing for me as a child and I am grateful to Tom and Elizabeth for that wonderful experience. Farming was Tom's passion and he freely shared that love of the farm to everyone he knew. Later, Tom was a wonderful grandfather to our daughters, Michelle and Kristin. They thought the world of him and loved the many visits to the farm. Tom always made them feel very special. He and Elizabeth also enjoyed visiting us in Rockford. We had many happy times together. Honoring Tom's wish to no longer be a part of our family in the later years of his life was very difficult for all of us. I trust that he was happy with this decision and that he enjoyed his golden years. We will remember all the happy times we shared.

Condolence From Michelle (Holler) Norquist

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Because he raised my mom and Uncle Ken after their parents passed, he beacame a Grandpa to me and my sister, and to my cousins Staci, Troy and Melissa. He really was the best grandpa a kid could ask for... I mean how many grandpas buy their grandkids a pony? I have such wonderful memories of the farm and he made each visit so much fun. The rides in the back of his pick up truck with my dad and sister through the corn fields, collecting eggs from the chicken coops and calling in the sheep. I will forever see him waving goodbye from the front steps of the house with his overalls, dirty boots and a big smile. Grandpa, I'm sorry that we drifted apart later in life... but it seems that your new family brought you happiness and that is all we ever wanted for you. Thank you for all the love you gave to me, my mom, and our family - we will miss you!

Condolence From Bob and Gail Wiersema Sep 22, 2011

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Always remember going out to the farm to get eggs. Tom was always happy. Will never forget Uncle Tom. He now has the ultimate happiness.

Condolence From Phil & Joyce (Ottens) Hook

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

May you rest in Peace

Condolence From Bill and Marcia Thorpe

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

As a youngster, always visited with Tom and Liz. It wasn't until I was older that I found out that Ken and Eileen were not there children. How kind of them to raise them so they could stay among family. In my adult years after Liz passed, We would ask him to join our family on Christmas Eve. He loved watching my nieces and nephews open their gifts. I think it gave him a sense of belonging. He will be missed.

Condolence From Becky Worthley

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

Remembering all the fun times on the farm.Rest in peace. Hug Lizzy for me.

Condolence From Gaye (Wiersema) Littlejohn

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EDT

I spent many wonderful afternoons as a kid playing at his farm. He always had candy bars for my kids when we saw him. His smile will be missed.

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Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 EST