Jacob Dykstra

Jacob "Jack" Dykstra, beloved husband, father, “Opa”, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 72. Jack was a valiant warrior, fighting daily for renewed health. But in God’s sovereign plan, he met his Savior in the early morning of June 9, 2025. The Bible describes King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18:6 as a man who "...held fast to the LORD. He did not depart from following him." That verse could also be said of Jack. Diagnosed with glioblastoma in January 2025, Jack embraced each phase of this difficult journey as an opportunity to demonstrate his unwavering relationship with Jesus. Jack’s faith was clear in the kind and grateful words he shared with those who cared for him and in the blessing he spoke over visitors as they left: "May the LORD bless you and keep you, and make his face shine upon you and give you peace." Jack was born on October 3, 1952, in Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands, to Jan Rein Dykstra and Anja Aafien (Wierenga) Dykstra. At just 18 months old, he and his family emigrated from the Netherlands to Canada in February 1954, joining many Europeans seeking new opportunities and a fresh start after the Second World War. In 1968, Jack’s father accepted a job in the United States and the family moved to New Jersey. During his senior year of high school, Jack had a life-changing experience when he became a born-again believer. His faith became the guiding force in his life, and he became deeply involved in his local church youth group. Following graduation, Jack attended Bob Jones University, where he earned a B.A. in History and Speech. It was also there that he met the love of his life, Katherine Joann Kapanka. The two were married on June 28, 1975, beginning a loving partnership that spanned five decades. This year, they had been joyfully celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary—a milestone marked by gratitude and grace. In the summer of 1996, at the federal courthouse in Detroit, Michigan, Jack became a naturalized American citizen. He was employed by Ford Motor Company for 30 years before retiring. Jack was a faithful member of Bethesda Christian Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where he actively contributed to his church community. Jack and Kathy raised two children who were the pride of his life: Aimee, born June 25, 1976, and Ben, born July 4, 1982. He was a devoted and loving father, and later, an adoring “Opa”. Jack was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jan and Anja Dykstra, and his beloved in-laws, Donald and Beverly Kapanka. He is survived by his cherished wife, Kathy; his daughter Aimee Dykstra Bice and son-in-law Sean Bice; his son Ben Dykstra and daughter-in-law Mary; and his seven beloved grandchildren: Annika, Lane, Wesley, Audrey, Samuel, Charlotte, and Eleanor. Jack is also mourned by his five siblings: Elisabeth Dykstra (Mildred), Annette Buisman (Wim-Jaap), Hilary Dijkstra (Margriet), Yvonne Bond (Morgan), and Paul Dijkstra (Kristin); his four brothers-in-law: Paul Kapanka (Dee), David Kapanka (Jayne), Tom Kapanka (Julie), and Jim Kapanka (Heather); and many nieces and nephews. Jack will be remembered for his unwavering faith, gentle humor, and the deep love he poured into every aspect of his life. He had a remarkable intellect and could recall seemingly endless facts about history, geography, and logistics, sharing them with passion and insight. He loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed skiing, biking, boating, camping, and road trips. Jack was also the go-to guy for anyone who needed a helping hand behind the scenes—dependable and quietly generous. His was a life well-lived. He held fast to the Lord—and he will be deeply missed. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 3-8pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate and Funeral Services will be the following day Saturday, June 14, 2025 with Instate at 9:30am and the Funeral Service starting at 10am at Bethesda Christian Church, 14000 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery, Port Huron, MI. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Jacob Dykstra

October 3, 1952 - June 9, 2025