Galen John Dykhuis was the son of Andrew and Gora (Steenhoek) Dykhuis. He was born on August 9, 1929, in his parents home in Jasper County near Galesburg, Iowa. He was the second of four children, his siblings were Mildred, Arnold and Shirley. Galen attended the European #2 country school which was located north of Pella, Iowa and graduated from the 8th grade. As a young man Galen then took an active role on the family farm. In May, 1951, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska until his discharge in April, 1953. Galen and Wilma Joan Van Zee, a daughter of Gerrit and Erma (Langerak) Van Zee, were united in marriage on February 18, 1954. Their wedding ceremony was held in her parents home just north of Pella. They both made profession of their faith and remained lifelong faithful members of First Reformed Church in Pella. Shortly after they were married Galen and Wilma moved to Galen's family farm. Galen farmed with his brother, Arnold, and Wilma stayed busy taking care of their three daughters: Diane Sue, Nancy Beth and Barbara Ann. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding his horse, mushroom hunting and fishing. In 1985, Galen and Wilma moved into Pella and during their retirement they liked camping and traveling, attending gospel music events and spent several warm winters in Texas. Galen continued going to the farm daily, as farming was his way of life. Galen and Wilma moved into Jefferson Place in November, 2013, where they appreciated the many activities there and the time when special visitors would stop by frequently. Galen passed away there on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at the age of 88 years. He is survived by his wife for 64 years, Wilma; their three daughters, their husbands, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They are:

Diane Vroegh of Pella, Iowa
Abby and Shane Van Wyk of Pella
Addison, Jenna, and Owen
Nancy and Dale De Bruin of Oskaloosa, Iowa
Scott De Bruin of Leighton, Iowa
Stephanie De Bruin of Oskaloosa
Sara and Brian De Vries of Algona, Iowa
Garrett, Graham
Barbara and Jeff Naaktgeboren of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Chelsey and Nick Keller of Sioux Falls
Ty, Colton, Janessa, and Hayden

Galen leaves his sister, Mildred (Klein) Boyd of Pella; two sisters-in-law: Artie (Keith) Van Zee of Pella and Louise (Van Zee) Healy of Des Moines, Iowa; along with special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Aaron Jon Vroegh; his parents, Andrew and Gora Dykhuis; his brother, Arnold Dykhuis and his wife, Geraldine (Veldhuizen), his sister, Shirley and her husband, Kenneth Van Rees; brothers-in-law: Glen Klein and Earl Boyd; his parents-in-law, Gerrit and Erma Van Zee; and two brothers-in-law: Keith Van Zee and Ross Healy. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He found great joy in the moments spent with his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held
Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 1:30 pm
First Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa
Military rites by the Van Veen- Van Hemert American Legion Post No. 89
Interment will be made in Oakwood Cemetery in Pella, Iowa

Open Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home
Visitation with the family will follow the service on Saturday at First Reformed Church

Memorial contributions are suggested for Lake View Camp or children's ministries at First Reformed Church.

[Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home web site]