Louis L. Dykstra, 77
Whitinsville - Louis L. Dykstra,77, lifelong resident of Whitinsville passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019 in Genesis Milford Center. He was the husband of the late Janice E. (Brown) Dykstra.
Louis had worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a maintenance engineer for 20 years before retiring.
Born February 19, 1942 in Whitinsville, son of the late Matthew and Elizabeth (Lanting) Dykstra and was a graduate of Northbridge High School, class of 1961 and Berkshire Community College. A Cold War veteran, he served in the U.S.
Army, Massachusetts Army National Guard and Rhode Island Air National Guard. He retired as a Staff Sargent with more than 20 years of service.
Mr. Dykstra enjoyed travel, photography and had a love of knowledge. He particularly delighted in spending time with his beloved grandson, Wesley.
Louis is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey L. Dykstra and his wife Tammy of Sutton and Eric L. Dykstra and his wife Krysten Kruger of Northbridge; two brothers, Ralph M. Dykstra of CT and Harvey Dykstra of AZ; two sisters, Claire Lajoie of Linwood and Janet Fairbanks of Falmouth and his grandson, Wesley Dykstra.
Visiting hours will be held Monday, May 6, 2019 from 5-7 PM in the BUMA FUNERAL HOME, 480 Church St., Whitinsville
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 10 AM in the funeral home followed by burial with Military Honors in Riverdale Cemetery, Rte. 122, Providence Rd., Whitinsville.
Memorial donations may be made to the
American Diabetes Association
, New England, 260 Cochituate Rd., #200, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the
Alzheimer's Association
, MA Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.
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Oliver Nichelson
George Waters
I also knew Louis from Flagg's drug store. He was often working the rear counter when I scooped dime cones. I never knew much about his personal life since he was in an upper class and more than 2 years older than I was. I recall him then as being conservative, good natured, and with one important asset - a blue Opel Kadet. When we were not yet able to drive Louis would always be willing to chauffeur us around in his Opel. If you wanted to drive crazy fast, cruise for girls, talk trash, or see how fast you could drink a 40oz GIQ of beer, you didn't go with Louis.
Yet Louis did something for me that changed the path of my life. One thing we had in common was an interest in aviation. Louis would often talk about his older brother who graduated from WPI and was immediately hired by a major airline to learn to fly. Louis started taking flying lessons at Hopedale airport and he asked me to go with him for a lesson. After the lesson Louis was describing to me what they did when he suddenly disappeared into the hanger. Next thing the instructor (Gerry Forest) came out to me and said "let's go for a ride!". I had never flown before but was put in the pilot seat and we flew to Northbridge and circled our house on Hill street. I was hooked! That was in early 1965 and the first 30 minutes of thousands of hours of flying. It didn't occur to me until later that Louis probably paid $4 or $5 for my first flight. At that time that would have been several hours working for Ted Flagg. I've told that story many times over the years and Louis was always there. Thank you, Louis.