Michael Jon Dykstra, age 74, of Jenison, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016.  He “sure hoped there was a Heaven”, and now he is there with his beloved son, Scott.  If we could write a story, it would be the greatest ever told of a kind and loving son, husband, father and grandfather who had a heart of gold.  We could write a million pages but would still be unable to say how much we love and miss him now, and will every single day.  Mike was born and grew up in Holland, Michigan and attended the Hanley one-room schoolhouse, but ultimately graduated from Wyoming Park High School (Class of 1960).  He worked for United Airlines in hubs all over the United States.  He married Rita Buch in 1971 in Los Angeles.  Mike retired early from the airlines to pursue his lifelong love of fitness.  He founded Ram Fitness Systems, Inc. in Jenison, and provided equipment and personal training for over 25 years.  Mike was very proud of earning several bodybuilding titles including runner-up Mr. Grand Rapids, Mr. Michigan Over 40, and Mr. Wolverine Over 40.  He sold exercise equipment to most of the local schools and universities.  His good health and physical strength from exercise were always an asset to him, and he always shared that with his family, friends and customers.   He is pre-deceased by his son, Scott Michael Dykstra, parents, Roland and Kathryn (Bos) Dykstra, father-in-law and mother-in law, Philip and Ellen (McCarthy) Buch, brother-in-law, Edward Buch, and nephew, Philip Buch.  Mike will be lovingly missed by his wife, Rita (Buch) Dykstra; daughter and son-in-law, Wendy (Dykstra) and Jason Lung; grandchildren, Adam Lung and Miriam Lung; brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Pauline Dykstra; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Annette and Ron King; brother–in-law, Joseph Buch; aunts, Janet Dykstra and Evelyn Bos; daughter-in-law, Carri (TerHaar) Merrill; several cousins, nieces and a nephew; many dear friends and neighbors.  The family would like to thank Evergreen Respite Day Center, The Terrace at Railside Living Center, Spectrum Home Health Care, Spectrum Hospice, and the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan for their support and care.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive, SW. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 1:00 pm at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to The Scott M. Dykstra-Oliver Products Memorial Engineering Scholarship at Grand Valley State University.

Leave Your Tribute Message

October 28, 2016 8:28am
Dear Rita, so sorry to hear that Mike passed away. We were in Arizona and learned of it as my sister Jan called. Sorry also to miss seeing you at this difficult time. May God bless you with strength and courage in the days ahead. Ron and Darlene

- Ron Dykstra

October 22, 2016 2:28pm
Hi Rita, so sorry for your loss of Mike, remember the talks we had at Compassioate Friends , may you have great peace and comfort. What a reunion he had with Scott. Hugs to you as you take this difficult journey again. Sharon Bosch

- Sharon Bosch

October 21, 2016 2:00pm
Dear Rita and family we are so sorry about Mike we will miss him Dearly. our Prayers are with you and Your Family. Fermin and Marylue Bravo & Family

- Marylue and Fermin Bravo

October 21, 2016 4:00am
Dear Rita & family our sympathy in the loss of Mike. He as a great friend . Norman & Carol Tilma

- Norm &Carol Tilma

October 20, 2016 1:55pm
Dear Rita, so sorry to hear about Mike. I remember very well our meetings with Compassionate Friends. Please know that Al and I send our deepest heartfelt prayers to you and your family.

- Connie DeVol

October 18, 2016 5:14pm
Mr. Mike will be missed greatly by our family, he helped raise our kids. What a happy day for him being reunited with Scott. The Swains

- Carrie Swain and family

October 18, 2016 3:24pm
So sorry for your loss, sending prayers

- Shawn Sytsma




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