Henry W. "Hank" Dykstra

Henry (Hank) W Dykstra of New London, WI, formerly of Vesper, WI, passed into eternal life at age 89, on September 22, 2024 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah following a brief battle with cancer.

Services will be at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, on October 5, 2024. The family will greet visitors from 9 - 11 a.m. with services starting at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Mark Tiefel will officiate. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Hank was born July 1, 1935, in Friesland, WI to Rink and Rena (Gaastra) Dykstra. He married Elizabeth Halbersma on Feb. 22, 1957. She preceded him in death on April 11, 2010.

Hank was a former member of Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids, and a current member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London, WI. Above all else, Hank was a true man of faith, a legacy he passed on to his children. Music was one of his biggest passions. He sang in the church choir and men’s quartet groups, or he might burst into song in the middle of a conversation. Hank was also a hard worker and a generous man. He would drop everything to be there to help anyone who was in need. Finally, Hank loved to bring laughter to those around him. Even in his final days, he was quick to crack a joke. He also enjoyed camping trips with extended family, fishing, and snowmobiling.

Survivors include three sons, Randal (Sandra) Dykstra of Vine Grove, KY, Lyle Dykstra of New London, WI, and Mark (Sharon) Dykstra of Roscoe, IL; one daughter, Diane (Dan) Maciejewski of Wisconsin Rapids; 12 grandchildren, Michael (Tiffany) Dykstra, Rebecca McCallum, Travis (Ashley) Dykstra, Austin (Emily) Dykstra, Bryan (Alisha) Dykstra, Jacob (Melissa) Dykstra, Keith (Michelle) Dykstra, Kevin (Katie) Dykstra, Steven (Sarah) Dykstra, Jeremy (Kelly) Maciejewski, Jessica (Don) Minarcin, and Janel (Dave) Sabatke; and 23 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his beloved Beverly Neiland of New London; one sister, Verene (Al) Huizenga of Warrenville, IL, one brother Bruce (Nancy) Dykstra of Durham, NC; four brother in laws, Dwight (Karen) Ruston of Rockford, IL, Louis (Virginia) Halbersma of Vesper, Jake (Alice) Halbersma and Jim (Nancy) Jansen of Wisconsin Rapids, and Gordon Fuller of Lake City, Fl; two sister in laws, Linda Dykstra of Cambria, WI, Marie (Frank) DeVries of Randolph, WI; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a number of close friends and bonus family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elizabeth, brothers Lawrence and Larry Dykstra, and sister Juliene Ruston.

Hank was one of many family members affected by CMT1J, a progressive genetic disease with symptoms that can vary from mild to life-threatening. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Hank’s name to the CMT1J Foundation at https://givebutter.com/cmt1J