Donald Lee Dykema, 92, of Morrison, IL, died Sunday, December 7, 2025, at his home.
Don was born October 10, 1933, in Morrison, to Jay and Henrietta (Voss) Dykema. He attended rural Whiteside County grade schools and graduated from Morrison High School in 1951. Don proudly served in the National Guard for over six years. On June 25, 1953, he married Ruth Feldt in Fulton, IL, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and community. Don was a lifelong farmer in the rural Morrison area. He and Ruth also worked together as auctioneer clerks, a role they both enjoyed. Don was a dedicated member of Morrison United Methodist Church, where he served in numerous capacities over the years. He was an active member of the Whiteside Cattlemen’s Association and spent many summers working in the beef tent at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, IL. Don loved to play Fast Pitch Softball; he played for many years and later took pride in coaching. He and Ruth enjoyed traveling on Wiersema’s Bus trips, creating many cherished memories along the way. More than anything, Don treasured time with his family. He especially loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events and celebrating their accomplishments.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth; daughter, Julie (Jim) Brown of Morrison; son, Jerry Dykema of Bronson, TX ; daughter-in-law, Leanne (Randy Renkes) Dykema of Morrison; son-in-law, Charlie Johnson of Morrison; eight grandchildren, Jacob Brown, Kelsie (Justin Temple) Lowery, Tessa Lee (John Chadwick) Johnson, Cody (Tessa Jo) Johnson, Erin (Sammy) Biggs, Kate (Cody) Goodwin, Nolan (Heather) Dykema, and Thomas (Kendra) Dykema; 20 great-grandchildren, Peyton, Rylie, Kaydin, Tamara, Marian, Eli, Rhett, Riker, Jaelynn, Joslynn, Amay, Bryce, Kaylie, Isaac, Claire, Charleigh, Behlen, Chloe, Kenlee, and Bentley; sister, Patricia Rizzo of Glenview, IL; step-sister, Paula Custer of Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Henrietta Dykema; stepmother, Ida Mae Dykema; daughter, Lynn Johnson; son, Marty Dykema; step-sister, Joyce Medema; step-brothers, Loren and Darrell Wierenga.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m., until the start of the Funeral service at Morrison United Methodist Church.
The Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Sun-ah Kang, Pastor of Morrison United Methodist Church, officiating.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Interment will take place at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A memorial has been established.