Donald Dykstra

Donald Dykstra, 86, of Oskaloosa and formerly Eddyville, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House. Don was born August 21, 1937 to Alva and Nellie Fern (Denburger) Dykstra, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He attended rural school Jefferson #7 and then graduated from Bussey High School in 1955. Upon graduation, he worked as a farm hand and road construction worker. He was united in marriage to Annie Orfield on June 22, 1958, at the Allerton Nazarene Church. Don and Annie made their home on a farm between Bussey and Eddyville. In addition to farming, Don had a 27-year career with the Norfolk and Southern Railway company, working from the Bussey Depot and later from the Moulton Depot. They provided eggs, farm-raised chicken, and fresh sweet corn from their grain and livestock farm, and Annie started a cake decorating business. After Don retired from the railroad, he and Annie worked side by side in the growing cake decorating business and managed the farm. He was a North Bethel Christian Church member in rural Eddyville, a Tri-Star Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star member, and a 50-year Masonic Lodge #584 member. He enjoyed watching baseball and was always ready to play catch or for a quick game of about any ball. His family includes his son, David (Lori) Dykstra of St. Charles, IA, and a daughter, Marilyn (Jim) Gann of Boonville, MO; three granddaughters: Chelsea, Callie, and Abigail, and a grandson, Riley; his sister, Janet Miller of Marion, IA. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife, Annie, their infant son, Ronald, and his brother, Arthur. Don's family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation for the friendship and support of the farm neighborhood and extended community, including railroad retirees. We are infinitely grateful for each and every one of you. And a special thanks to Connie Van Polen and Peggy Lettington for recent help with his care and support. Funeral Services for Donald will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2024, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel with Pastor Beth Loomis of the North Bethel Christian Church. The burial will be in Coal Creek Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Langkamp Funeral Chapel; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Coal Creek Cemetery or Mahaska Health Foundation for the Hospice Serenity House.

Donald Dykstra

August 21, 1937 - May 11, 2024