Dennis Dean Dykstra

Dennis Dean Dykstra, loving husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024. His wife of 57 years, Penny, was at his side. Dennis was born on August 22, 1944, to Berniece and Dr. C.F. Dykstra. He grew up in Rock Rapids, IA, attending Central Lyon High School where he enjoyed basketball, baseball, and to the chagrin of his parents, football. Dennis was known for his passionate commitment to his family, his hobbies, and his business interests. Dennis earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology and immunobiology from Iowa State University. He earned his doctoral degree from the University of Georgia in poultry science. Dennis had a professional career that included executive roles with major poultry producers. Later in life he found success as a realtor and stock trader. In his personal life, Dennis was passionate about family, travel, golf, food, and the stock market. He was fortunate to have seen many parts of the world with his wife and close friends, Jay and Jan Olsen, touring Europe, Canada, and many regions of the United States. He loved to enjoy a good meal with family, taking great care to savor each bite and catch up on personal stories. He could often be found walking the golf course. He was fond of simply carrying the few clubs he needed to play Fun Golf, which focused more on enjoying his time outdoors than on the number of strokes. His time swinging a club was emblematic of his lifelong love of learning. He sought out coaching, equipment, and concepts that he could incorporate into his own game, and he loved to help others discover the sport for which he had a deep passion. Dennis married the love of his life, Penny Dykstra, on August 28, 1966. He was a devoted father and grandfather to his son Damon and his wife Angie, their children Reya, Alyssaa, Kaylia, Dylan, and Bailey, and his daughter Heidi and her husband Matthew, and their daughter Mackenzie. Their memories of Dennis’s joyful and gregarious personality during holiday gatherings will be cherished forever. Dennis is deeply missed by his family and friends, who will always remember his ability to tell a story, raise a toast, and share a laugh. His spirit lives on in the lives of those he loved, where he continues to serve as a daily inspiration and reminder to enjoy life regardless of its many challenges. Please keep his extended family in your prayers, including his brother Ron Dykstra and his wife Sheila, and his cousin Keith DeJongh and his wife Marlene. A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held on June 17th at 2:00 p.m. at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, GA. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to MUST Ministries in honor of his memory. https://www.mustministries.org/give-help or P.O. Box 1717, Marietta, GA 30061. May all who knew Dennis find comfort in their memories of him and in the knowledge that he is at peace and rest, being reunited with family and dear friends who have gone before him.

Dennis Dean Dykstra

August 22, 1944 - June 11, 2024