Karl Dyksterhouse, age 82, of Grand Rapids,Michigan passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, at HCA Blake Hospital in Bradenton, Florida, after an extended battle with heart disease and related complications.
Karl was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 17, 1942, to Harold and Petronella Dyksterhouse. The second of four children, he was preceded in death by his brother Ken Dyksterhouse and his sister Mary Bartman. He is survived by his brother Don Dyksterhouse. Karl was raised on the Westside of Grand Rapids. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, Class of 1960, and spent two years in the Army Reserves. He married Jan Spoelstra in May 1962, moved to Jenison, Michigan, and had three children: Jeff Dyksterhouse, Greg Dyksterhouse, and Sara VanZyll.
Karl began his career at General Motors Soft Trim Plant in 1961. In 1964, he transferred to the Tool & Die Department of the GM Metal Fabrication Plant on 36th Street in Wyoming, Michigan, where he worked until his retirement in 2003. Karl was very active in U.A.W.
Local 730 from 1973 through 2001, holding various leadership positions, including a six-year term as President of the local from 1978 to 1984. Even after retirement, Karl remained involved in his local chapter, holding various positions such as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the U.A.W. Local 730 Retiree Chapter. He continued hosting retiree events and memorial services for fellow members until his death.
An adventurous spirit, Karl enjoyed outdoor activities throughout his life. In winter, he loved downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. In summer, he enjoyed boating, water-skiing, tobogganing, and exploring the shoreline of Lake Michigan and other smaller lakes throughout Michigan. He also enjoyed kayaking, white-water rafting, fishing, hiking, and bike riding. In the early years of fatherhood, Karl coached Little League baseball for his sons' teams and softball for his daughter's team.
One of Karl's greatest loves was the Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park Area, where he owned a family getaway at The Homestead for more than 30 years. He would spend hours scouring the shoreline for Petoskey Stones, hand-polishing them, and giving them away as special gifts to friends and family.
In his later retirement years, Karl enjoyed spending time in Florida, where he had a home in Palmetto, just outside Bradenton, with his significant other, Margaret (Peg) Tenbrink, with whom he shared many happy years.
In addition to his union work, Karl volunteered with several organizations throughout his life, including the Georgetown Little League, Family Service Association, U.A.W. Community Action Program, United Way Allocation and Review, West Michigan Umpires Association, and Habitat for Humanity. He was a charter member and served on the Board of Rosewood Reformed Church from 1972 to 1984, and was also a board member and treasurer of the Wilderness Condo Association at The Homestead Resort. Karl supported many charitable organizations, including the V Foundation for Cancer Research. However, his favorite charity was the West Michigan Chapter of Meals on Wheels, which he supported both financially and as a senior meal delivery volunteer from 2007 until his recent mobility issues. His face would light up when he recounted stories of the many wonderful people he met on his routes over the years.
Anyone who knew Karl also knew he was a passionate lifelong member and precinct delegate of the Democratic Party.
Karl is survived by his significant other, Margaret (Peg) Tenbrink; his three children, Jeff, Greg, and Sara; their spouses; his two granddaughters, Morgan and Macy; and his former wife, Jan Dyksterhouse.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday May 22nd at The Knights of Columbus Event Center, at 5830 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming, Michigan with a light lunch to follow.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street, Bradenton, FL, is in charge of arrangements.
