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Darrell Dykstra Obituary
MACOMB - Darrell I. Dykstra, 60, of Macomb died at 7:55 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006, at his residence following a 12-year battle with cancer.
Born Dec. 5, 1945, in Hackensack, N.J., to D. Ivan and Kathryn Wisse Dykstra, he married Virginia Rae White on June 10, 1967, in Holland, Mich. She survives.
Also surviving are his mother, Kathryn Dykstra of Wooster, Ohio; one son, Derek Ivan (Kirsten) Dykstra of Montague, Mich.; one grandson, Dane Ivan Dykstra; and one brother, Brian (Ruth) Dykstra of Wooster, Ohio.
He was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Holland High School in Holland, Mich., and was a 1967 graduate of Harvard College.
He held a fellowship from the American Research Center in Egypt from 1971 to 1973 and received his Ph.D. in history from the University of Michigan in 1977.
He taught at the University of Santa Clara from 1975 to 1976. He was professor of Middle Eastern history at Western Illinois University from 1977 to present, served in the advising center at Western from 1985 to 1990 and was the History Department graduate advisor from 1987 to 2005.
He held professional memberships in the American Research Center in Egypt, Middle East Studies Association, Middle East Institute and the American Historical Association.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Macomb.
A runner, he belonged to the Macomb Road Runners from 1981 to present and finished the Chicago Marathon in 1984. He enjoyed biking and skiing and was an avid woodworker.
A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The Rev. Amy Loving and Dr. John Hallwas will officiate. A celebration of his life will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Western Illinois University Union Lamoine Room. Cremation has been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Darrell I. Dykstra Scholarship Fund at the Western Illinois University Foundation.
Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign guest book at www.dodsworthfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Dykstra
3 Entries
Helen Peterson
November 5, 2019
GINGER,
Dr. Dykstra had a major impact on my life and career. My Master's Thesis was dedicated to him and another professor at Western. They inspired me to question aged old established traditions and theories. He showed me that there are other sides to every agreement or civilization. I think of him often and feel a sadness in my life. Prayers for you and your family at this time.
Helen Peterson
November 11, 2006
Ginger,
I was deeply sadden when I heard about Dr. Dykstra's passing. He had a profound effect on my life and I was previlidged to have meet him at Western.
He has continued to be a source of encouragement and inspiration in what I do. The world is a little less without his presence here. My deepest prayers go out to you and the family. I will miss him very much.
Pat and Mike Sartore
November 10, 2006
Ginger and Derek:
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Darrell's passing. We have known your family for many years and have vivid memories of Darrell during that time period. I first knew Darrell as a loving and supportive father during Dereks's junior high and high school years. Darrell was always there for Derek. I also knew Darrell as a runner, both recreational and competitive. We ran many, many miles together. He was dedicated to running and a very tough competetor. Finally, and maybe most importantly, I know him as one of my daughter's teachers and as the person she considered to be her mentor. Darrell is without a doubt most responsible for Melissa's efforts in persuing her Ph. D. Without his guidance, support, and encouragement, she would probably not be doing what she is doing today. We are very gratefuly for all he did to help her choose her direction and life, and for his support for her along the way. Darrell has meant a great deal to our family and we will miss him.
Pat and Mike Sartore
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