Thomas Dykstra, 91, passed away Thursday, Feb. 8 at Ridgewood Care Center. Born July 8, 1926, in Racine, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas and Cora (Nee: Post), Dykstra.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On Nov. 22, 1947, he married Charline Lewandowski, who preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 2011. Thomas worked for Western Publishing Company for 16 years. He also owned and operated Graphic Advertising/Quality Litho from 1971 until his retirement in 1982.
He was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church.
He will be dearly missed by his children, Kent (Debbie) Dykstra of Waukesha, WI, Brian Dykstra of Nashotah, Wendy (Mark) Webber of Topeka, KS; son-in-law, Thomas Bosanec of Racine; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; dear and special companion, Helen Leitzel; sister, Toots Purnell; brothers, Reinhardt (Carol) Dykstra, Si (Lucy) Dykstra, Andy (Joan) Dykstra; sister-in-law, Audrey Penkowski; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Suzanne Bosanec; brothers and sisters, Dyke, Nell, Nett, Sharon, and Grace.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Maresh-Meredith Funeral Home, 803 Main St. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home until time of service at 11 a.m. Memorials to the Racine Homeless Veterans Initiative have been suggested.
A special thank you to his caregivers at Ridgewood Care Center, especially, Kim, Beth, and Richard for their loving and compassionate care.