Raymond J. Dykstra, 95, of Morrison, IL, formerly of Fulton, IL, and Thomson, IL, died Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison.
Raymond was born July 4, 1928, in Thomson, to Ren and Ella (Balk) Dykstra. He was educated in the Thomson School system. On October 25, 1949, he married Thelma M. Kettler in Fulton. She passed away on January 1, 2019. Raymond and his wife farmed for 40 years in the rural Fulton and Thomson areas, until retiring in 1990. He was a member of First Reformed Church in Fulton, and had served for many years on the Consistory as a Deacon and Elder. He was also a former member of Gideon’s International. Raymond had served as Director of the Carroll County Live Stock Feeders Association and also a Trustee of Thomson Fire Department. Together he and Thelma were active with volunteering. They delivered Meals On Wheels to the locals, and, while enjoying their winter trips to Texas, he volunteered building homes in Mexico with Habitat for Humanity.
Survivors include his daughter, Mary (Greg) Cravatta of Genoa, IL; sons, Randall (Karen) Dykstra of Fulton, Allen (Nancy) Dykstra of Morrison, and Edward Dykstra of Thomson; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters, and one on the way.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Thelma; sisters and their spouses, Eleanor (Herman) Jansma, Lola (Roland) Klimstra, and Anna (LeRoy) Rus; brothers and their spouses, Clifford (Evelyn) Dykstra and Roy (Helen) Dykstra; brother-in-law and his wife, Clarence “Clink” (Jeanne) Kettler; special friend, Judy Adolph.
His Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at First Reformed Church in Fulton, IL, officiated by Rev. Chuck Huckaby.
There will be a Visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Interment will be in Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL.
Memorials to First Reformed Church and Resthave Care & Rehabilitation have been established.