Thomas Ray Dykstra

April 11, 1955 - January 3, 2025

Thomas Ray Dykstra, 69, of Clermont, FL, was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on January 3, 2025, after an eight year battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Born in Kalamazoo, MI, to a loving Christian family, Tom loved the Lord as long as he could remember. His love for Christ and his interest in people led him to pursue a career in ministry. He attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA, and Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. During this time, he met the love of his life, Julie, and they were married in 1978. Throughout his career, he served churches in Iowa Falls, IA; West Sayville, NY; Pella, IA; Lake Worth, FL; and Visalia, CA. He also served his country as a chaplain for twenty years in the US Navy Reserve and retired Lieutenant Commander in 2005. As a pastor and chaplain he consistently demonstrated his faithfulness, dedication, and compassion for others.

Tom was an avid reader, history buff, sports fan, and people person. He enjoyed traveling and made "long lost friends" wherever he went.  He will be remembered by his family and friends for his cheerful and fun-loving personality.

Upon his diagnosis with Lewy Body Dementia in 2017, Tom retired after 36 years in ministry. He and Julie moved to Clermont, FL in 2018, where they enjoyed living near Jeff's family. Despite the challenges of his diagnosis, Tom faced the future with remarkable grace and a firm trust in God. He continued to find much joy in his remaining years. He enjoyed many visits from friends and family from all over the country, as well as regular visits from loyal friends and caregivers.

Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Julie; his children Andrea (Jared) Walker, Tom (Hilary) Dykstra, Jeff (Leslie) Dykstra, and Courtney (James) Rylaarsdam; his grandchildren Leah, Jackson, Hayley, Anika, Rose, Andrew, Thomas, Brooklynn, Ransom, Lincoln, and Harvey; and sisters Marsha (Jerry) Hayne and Fran (Steve) Nogle. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas A. and Bernice Dykstra.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church at South Lake in Clermont, FL on January 8 at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 1:30 p.m. Remembrances can be made by contributions to two organizations that provided excellent care for Tom over the last few years: Central Florida Lewy Body https://cflewybody.org and Cornerstone Hospice https://cornerstonehospice.org/