Jerry Dykstra, a pastor who served congregations in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Walnut Creek, Calif., before working in denominational leadership, lived, worked, and served in lay ministry in Arizona after leaving CRC service in 2011. He died April 27 after a 19-month illness. He was 76.
Dykstra was born in Holland, Mich. One of four children, and the son of a pastor, the family moved many times during his growing up years. Dykstra met his wife, Linda, in southern California when he was a senior in high school. The couple attended Calvin College (now University), and after graduation in 1972 he pursued work in construction and business until, in 1986, he felt a call toward ministry.
Dykstra attended Westminster Seminary in southern California for a year. Then the family of six moved to Grand Rapids so he could finish his studies at Calvin Seminary. While in seminary, he worked part-time for Ada (Mich.) CRC and later served Cascade Fellowship CRC, Grand Rapids, and Faith Fellowship CRC, Walnut Creek, Calif. From 2005 to 2006 he was director of ministries for the CRCNA and then served as executive director until 2011.
Linda, his wife of 55 years, said Jerry was passionate about helping people understand the amazing grace of God. “Though an introvert, he did love people,” she said. A "fix it" kind of guy, Linda said he sometimes had to hold himself back from fixing broken things at hotels, VRBO rentals, or wherever he was and saw a need. He remodeled about 20 kitchens over the years, for the Dykstra kids, other family members, and their church, Christ's Community Church in Glendale, Ariz.
Active in the church, Dykstra preached there on multiple occasions and started a “Foundations” class on Sunday mornings, where he taught the Heidelberg Catechism and various books of the Bible.
Predeceased by their daughter, Stephanie Lee, Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda; three children and their spouses; and 11 grandchildren.