| |
 |
|
| Name: |
William "Bill" Dykhouse, Sr.
|
| Date: |
December 22nd, 1919 - February 25th, 2010
|
| Obituary: |
Lifelong Grand Haven resident William “Bill” Dykhouse, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 25, 2010. He was born December 22, 1919, in Grand Haven to Duke and Dena (Norr) Dykhouse. He married the former Pearl Strong in 1940, and she preceded him in death on October 16, 2002.
Bill spent many years in business with his brother, Donald. They started digging ditches back in 1940 and soon formed a well-known underground contracting business known as Dykhouse Brothers, Inc. Jobs for city sewer systems and water mains were contracted all over the state of Michigan. Bill’s interest in contracting and construction continued into his retirement, and he stayed active for as long as his health allowed. It was not uncommon to find Bill, well into his 80s, climbing onto a bulldozer and moving some dirt.
Bill was married to Pearl Dykhouse for 62 years. Bill and Pearl spent many years together flying up into the back woods of Canada to go trout fishing. Bill was a private pilot and it was not uncommon to find him flying to the northern Canadian woods, Pentwater Lake, Lake Leelanau to visit the cottage, or picking up his girls from summer camp by landing on small lakes in the pontoon plane. He and Pearl also traveled frequently in their Beechcraft Travel Air twin engine airplane, venturing to California, Florida, Mackinac Island, or day trips to visit friends and family. Bill had many interesting stories to share regarding some of the circumstances they confronted while flying private planes.
The Gospel Chapel has been fortunate to have had Bill as a lifetime member of the church, and the good deeds he has done for them in the past have been appreciated. He formed many friendships and remained involved in the church.
Family was very important to Bill, and he was grateful to have them all so nearby. Bill and Pearl raised five children in Grand Haven, and many of his grandchildren attended Grand Haven schools. He is lovingly remembered by his five children: William, Jr. (Brenda) Dykhouse, Warren (Debbie) Dykhouse, Jalaine (Bob) Hutchinson, Marlene (Tim) Wierenga, and Judy (Anthony) Gutierrez; grandchildren: Tracey Oldenburg and Alexis Steinmetz, daughters of William, Jr., Elizabeth, Colbi, and Darren Dykhouse, children of Warren and Debbie Dykhouse, Marisa and Micanna Hutchinson, daughters of Jalaine and Bob Hutchinson, Carrie and Mindy Marx, daughters of Marlene Wierenga, Samantha, Mitchell, and Victoria Gutierrez, children of Judy and Anthony Gutierrez; five great-grandchildren: Elijah, Hannah, and Tressa Oldenburg, Savannah Steinmetz, and Ella Dykhouse; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Arnold Brondyke of Spring Lake; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Ann, and his brother, Donald Dykhouse.
Please join the family in celebration of his life at 3:00 PM Sunday, February 28, 2010, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of Bill may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa Community or to the Grand Haven Gospel Chapel Roof Fund. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
|
| Memorials: |
Hospice of North Ottawa Community or the Grand Haven Gospel Chapel Roof Fund, 1805 Waverly, Grand Haven, MI 49417
|
| Cemetery: |
Lake Forest Cemetery
1304 Lake Ave.
Grand Haven, MI 49417 (map/driving directions)
|
| Visitations: |
2:00PM to 3:00PM on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at Grand Haven Chapel (map/driving directions)
|
|
| Services: |
3:00PM at VBK Grand Haven Chapel on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 (map/driving directions)
|
|
|
|
|
