Allard T. Dykstra

DYKSTRA, Allard T. "Al"
of Portage Passed away on October 1, 2011 at his home. Al was born December 17,
1923 in Kalamazoo, a son of Thomas and Jenny Schurer Dykstra. He attended Portage Public Schools and served his Country in the Pacific Theater as a Buck Sergeant during WWII. Following his Army service he was united in marriage to Barbara Belle Petry on December 18, 1946. Al was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara, daughter Sarah Ann, Grandson Daniel Rogers, and sister Frances Dykstra Brown. Surviving him are his daughter Mary Farrington of Kalamazoo, son Thomas Dykstra Sharon of Ida, Michigan, grandson Alex Dykstra and granddaughter Rebecca Andrew Campbell and several nieces and nephews. As a lifetime area resident Al was previously the Assistant Fire Chief of Portage. He was an excellent mechanic and enjoyed working on cars and trucks as well as a variety of small engines. Al was a longtime Mason and was affiliated with the VFW, the American Legion, and the Eagles. Family and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, October 6 from 2 -4 & 6-8 pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. Funeral services for Al will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at the Portage Chapel with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow at the South Portage Cemetery under the auspices of the Portage V.F.W. Post # 5855. Memorial contributions in Al's memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please visit www.langelands.com to view the video tribute or leave a condolence to the family.