Daniel Jacob Dykstra
Daniel tragically passed away on Monday March 6, 2017.
Daniel was born to Douglas and Dawn Dykstra on July 24, 1995 in San Ramon, CA. He was their 7th child and only son.
Daniel was mischievous and strong willed from birth. He was very intelligent and always knew what he wanted. Daniel attended Hawthorne Elementary where he met a small group of close friends that he kept into adulthood.
After high school Daniel joined the National Guard, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment. While with the National Guard he was excited to volunteer for many things including fighting forest fires and aerial gunnery support. And, of course, he loved shooting high powered rifles from helicopters. Daniel was very close to his brothers and sisters in the National Guard and considered them family.
Daniel loved to travel and had visited many states and Romania. He was very excited about an upcoming opportunity to go to Germany with the National Guard.
Daniel loved to help his community and was a volunteer with the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Daniel was a member of the American Legion and The Loyal Order of the Moose, he also supported the American Red Cross.
Daniel enjoyed kayaking, spending time with family and friends and supported the performing arts. He liked cars and music. His favorite game was Killer Bunnies. During his down time, Daniel liked to read and watch Game of Thrones. He was always upbeat and always had a joke or movie quote.
Daniel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dan and Lillian Dykstra and Jake and Judy Demmerly as well as Uncles Doug Demmerly and Jack Smith.
Daniel will be dearly missed by his parents, Douglas and Dawn Dykstra. His sisters, Stephanie Dykstra, Krista (Tim) Morgan, Theresa (Josh) Winsor, Mary Dykstra, Julie (Sherman) Banks, and Alyssa Dykstra. His nieces and nephews, Nathan, Michael, Talon, Andrew, Austin, Sydney, Lexi, Chaela, Reece, Hailey, and Sean, his girlfriend Jen Siders and his cat Dante.
He is also survived by his uncles, Dale Demmerly, Dave (Dierdre) Demmerly, Dion Demmerly; his aunts, Kathy Smith and Barb Demmerly; and many cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial with military honors will follow the funeral service at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will take place in the social hall of the funeral home following the graveside services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the West Valley Fire Dept., P.O. Box 4024, Helena, MT 59604.
The family would like to give special thanks to Mary Jo Kraft and the Montana Army National Guard 189th Aviation Regiment.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 14, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday March 14, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday March 14, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday March 14, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday March 14, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday March 14, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Don Pratt says
Mary,Alyssa and the Dykstra Family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Daniel. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will be unable to attend the services but I will be thinking of you all. If there is anything I can do for you, please call on me.
Linda Vaughey says
I was a friend of Lillian. I extend my sincere condolences to the Dykstra family and extended family members. A light in your lives has been extinguished, but I pray happy memories will bring you comfort in the days, months, and years ahead. God grant you peace and know that the prayers of others are with you now and forever.
Cathy McCall says
Our Sincere sympathy to all the family. To lose one so young is always a tragedy! May God’s peace descend on all of you.
Frank and Cathy (Morgan) McCall
Kristine Kelly-Coburn says
I was so very sorry to hear of Daniel’s passing. Daniel and my son were friends- and I remember taking Daniel camping with us in Hylite Canyon. The boys were having a great time shooting air soft guns and I was still finding those little green pellets for years afterwards! I will always remember Daniel’s smile and silliness.
Our thoughts are with all of the family.
Kristine Kelly-Coburn
Julie Bradshaw says
Infectious cheshire grin. Hilarious twisted sense of humor. Awesome T-shirts. And a true young gentleman who, at just 20 years old, donned his full dress uniform to escort Bob’s wife to the big dance. Just a simply wonderful young man. Our world has suffered a tremendous loss.
GAYNA MEARDY says
On behalf of the Meardy family, we send our love and prayers to the Dykstra family. We are sorry that we can’t attend but our thoughts and prayers are always with each one of you…
Bob & Mary Cole says
Dear Doug, Dawn and family,
We are so sorry and sad. We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Kathy and Rich Basham says
Dear Doug and Dawn, There are no words in the universe that can express the sorrow of losing a child. We can only say that you will always be in our hearts and our love will always be with you. Your cousins Kathy and Rich
Ellen Rae Thiel says
I am thinking of all of you at this sad time. I personally know Kathy Dykstra Smith and would like her to know that I am sending hugs and good thoughts her way. Reading Daniel’s obit makes me sad to think that he seemed to have so much going for him and now we will never know.
Lisa Homan says
Thoughts and prayers be with you all. Thank you for supporting this young man in both his military suites and his firefighting duties. May he rest in peace and may his family ND friends find comfort during this time.
“Rest in peace brother we’ve got it from here.”
I did not have the honor of knowing you personally but we in fire and rescue are family and all mourn your passing.
Linda says
Doug and family – we are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and Dan Gaughan
Jay Phillips says
Doug I am so sorry for the loss of your son. May you and your family have strength during this incredibly hard time.
William F says
My sincere condolences to the family and Daniel’s many friends, so sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that God will soon resurrect our dear loved ones (John 5: 28-29).
Carolyn Truscott says
Dear Dykstra family, our hearts are grieving with you over the loss of a wonderful young man. We share too well in this tragedy. The Truscott family