Garrett “Gary” J. Dykstra, 88, of Fulton, IL, died Sunday, November 22, 2020, at MercyOne Clinton in Clinton, IA.
Gary was born April 28, 1932, in Fenton, IL, to John S. and Anna (Link) Dykstra. He was educated in the Cottonwood Grade School of rural Whiteside County and was a graduate of Fulton High School. Gary married Donna B. Borgman on November 27, 1952, in Fulton. He farmed in the rural Fulton area. Gary was a member of Trinity Reformed Church in Fulton and was attending Fulton Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Whiteside County Cattlemen’s Association and a member of Whiteside County Farm Bureau. Gary volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program, delivering meals, and also volunteered at the Fulton Food Pantry. Gary, along with his wife, Donna, raised German Shepherds for many years. He enjoyed listening to Blue Grass music. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Donna; daughters, Barb Dykstra; Connie (Larry) VenHuizen; and Nancy (David) Malone, all of Fulton; son, Dale Dykstra of Maple Park, IL; three grandchildren, Ryan (Heather) VenHuizen, Kathy (Jon) Zehr, and Laura (Ryan) Medenblik; four great-grandchildren, Adelyn, Jackson, Sadie, and Cooper Zehr, two great-grandchildren are expected in April 2021; brother, Bob (Eleanor) Dykstra of Bellflower, CA; sisters-in-law, Arlene Dykstra of Morrison, IL, Joycelyn Dykstra of Bellflower, and Evelyn Damhoff of Fulton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beatrice Browneye; brothers, Sidney Dykstra, John Dykstra, and Donald Dykstra.
A private family graveside Service will be held at Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL, preceded by a private family Visitation at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Rev. Catherine Martin, Pastor of Fulton Presbyterian Church in Fulton, IL, will officiate.
A memorial has been established by the family.