Dykstra, Laurel E. 1922-2005

DYKSTRA, CRANE, JOHNSON, DAWSON, TABOR, HELMS, WOOD

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 6/26/2005 at 16:12:22

MONROE — Laurel E. Dykstra, 82, of Monroe died Friday, June 17, 2005, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Burial will take place at Silent City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held today from 2 to 8 p.m. at Walters-Coburn Funeral Home in Monroe. The family will greet friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com .

The son of John and Mary (Crane) Dykstra, he was born Dec. 13, 1922, in Monroe. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1940. Following graduation, he entered the Army Air Corps. During World War II, Mr. Dykstra served as a pilot, carrying troops and towing gliders. He received his honorable discharge on Jan. 5, 1946, as a 1st lieutenant.

On Oct. 19, 1943, he married Eloise Johnson in Corsicana, Texas. He farmed in the area for many years and also kept his pilot's license active so he could continue flying. He also was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Laura (Dean) Dawson of Newton, Sharon Tabor and her friend Ron, also of Newton, and Pamela (Rod) Helms of Macomb, Ill.; a son, Craig (Cindy) Dykstra of Canon City, Colo.; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Herbert (Crystal) Dykstra of Monroe.

Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister, Dorothy Wood; and a granddaughter.

Newton (IA) Daily News, Monday, June 20, 2005