Marion John Dykstra

Marion John Dykstra, age 99, of Bussey, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 14, 2022, at Westridge Specialty Care in Knoxville.
Marion was born on January 8, 1923, in Lacey, Iowa, the son of Nick and Minnie (Walraven) Dykstra. Marion attended many country schools in Mahaska County. Marion left school in the 8th grade to help on his family’s farm. At the age of 12 he was driving a team of horses, and planting corn.
Marion joined the United States Army on October 3, 1946, and proudly served his country until April 10, 1948. Following his time in the military, he was united in marriage to Ruth Tucker in Bussey, Iowa, on June 16, 1951, at the Bussey Church. Marion and Ruth met on a blind date and have been together since their first date. They lived in the basement of their first home for 5 years, until the upper part was finished in 1965.
After being married for 19 years, and not having any children, they adopted Todd and Tonya on December 17, 1970, in Chicago. That decision is the best decision they ever made.
Marion was a hard worker and a self-educated man. Marion and Ruth bought their first farm northeast of Bussey where they resided until 2021. They then moved to Homestead in Knoxville.
Marion enjoyed being in card clubs, and coffee time at Wilson’s Corner. Marion and Ruth were longtime members of the First United Methodist Church. Marion’s greatest joy was his family.
Marion is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Ruth Dykstra; children, Todd (Cindy) Dykstra of Ankeny, and Tonya (Dan) Ensor of Ankeny; brother, Vernon Dykstra; four grandchildren, Jacob Ensor, Samantha (Logan) Nicol, Zachary Dykstra, and Madison Dykstra; one great-grandson, Henry; and sister-in-law, Jane (Charles) Havener; also several nieces and nephews.
Marion is preceded in death by his parents, Nick, and Minnie Dykstra; sister, Esther Kampenaar; and brothers, Virgil Dykstra, and Merle Dykstra.
Memorials may be given in Marion’s memory to Shriner’s Children Hospital, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, Mo, 63110.
Visitation for Marion will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Burial, with military honors will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Following burial, a luncheon will be held at the Church.
Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville is assisting Marion’s family with arrangements.