Dirk Spyker

Dirk J. Spyker, 93, of Bradenton, FL went home to the Lord on Sunday, February 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born August 11, 1932, on Grand Rapids’ Southwest side, he attended Grand Rapids Christian High School. As a teenager Dirk worked in his uncle’s butcher shop which created the foundation for his career. 

At 18, Dirk joined the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served as a Food Service Specialist with the rank of Sergeant at Quantico during the Korean War. After his time of service, he worked as a meat manager at Meijer where he met his future wife, Theresa, and then joined Eberhard’s corporate team.

In 1958, Dirk married his forever love of 65 years, Theresa Plantamura, and they made their home in Grandville, MI. Dirk enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, traveling, collecting anything nautical, and camping on the Lake Michigan dunes. Dirk was an expert griller, enjoyed making sausage and wine, and their home was always filled with family and friends centered around great food, laughter, and time spent around the pool.

Enjoying the snowbird life, they eventually made a new home in Florida where Dirk could enjoy golfing, lawn bowling, and fishing year-round with his close friends and relatives.

Dirk is survived by his daughters, Deb (Bill) Baker, Sheryl (Bob) Kerhin; five cherished grandchildren: Nicole, Nathan, Jessica, Melissa, and Michelle; great-grandchildren: Abigail, Cole, Hannah, Aaron, Brooks, Carson, Cecilia, and William; and his brother, Ray Spyker. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Saturday from 1-2 pm at the funeral home prior to the service.