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Dykstra, Paul D.
Paul D. Dykstra, 62, of Tipton, Iowa, died Friday, March 2, 2012 of pancreatic cancer, peacefully surrounded by family at home.
At his request his body will be cremated with interment at a later date. There will be a time to visit with family on Friday, March 9, 2012 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and a Celebration of Life Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City.
Paul was born October 21, 1949 in Orange City, Iowa, to Dick and Grace (Lems) Dykstra. In 1982 Paul moved to Iowa City and started Iowa City Landscaping with his brother, Dennis Dykstra, and sister-in-law, Linda Dykstra. Paul served as the president of Iowa City Landscaping for the last 30 years. During that time he served as a mentor to many young people. He will be missed by the staff and his partners.
Paul was a son who called his father every Sunday, a brother who never missed a birthday, an uncle who always had time for his nieces and nephews. Paul was a friend to many, and he valued those friendships.
Paul enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially archery hunting. He also enjoyed teaching his nephews about archery and the great outdoors. One of his favorite sayings was, “I don't need to shoot anything, I just want to be there!” Paul was also a world-class morel mushroom hunter. All his mushroom bounty was given to his friends.
Paul is survived by his father, Dick (Ann) Dykstra of Hull, Iowa; his siblings, Dr. Edward (Linda) Dykstra of Iowa City, Dennis (Lorna) Dykstra of Iowa City, Richard (Nancy) Dykstra of Hull, Iowa, Emily (Dick Ogle) of Sioux City, Robert (Jackie) of North Liberty, and Laura (Steve) Heitritter of Boyden, Iowa; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother, Grace.
A memorial fund has been established for Aiming for a Cure Foundation at MidWestOne Bank, P.O. Box 1700, Iowa City, IA 52244-1700. Memorials may also be made to the Iowa Nursery and Landscaping Scholarship Fund and Iowa City Hospice.
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Published March 4, 2012 in The Gazette
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