Samuel Dykstra, age 74, of White Cloud, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. We take comfort in knowing he is now at home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born May 7, 1951, in Somerville, New Jersey, to the late Albert and Tina (VanderWey) Dykstra. He graduated from Newton High School in New Jersey and went on to study education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. After three years at Calvin, Sam chose to enlist and serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War for four years. He then faithfully served and retired after an additional 30 years in the Army Reserves.

During Sam’s time in the reserves, he met and married NancyLee Homa on August 20, 1988, in Walker, Michigan. The two built a life rooted in love, commitment, and shared faith. He returned to his studies and earned his bachelor’s degree in special education and then his master’s degree in administration. Sam spent many years serving others through education and retired from the Flint Public School System in 2016. After retiring, Sam and Nan moved to White Cloud to pursue his passion for farming. He genuinely loved working the land, tending to his animals, and enjoying the life God had given them.

Sam will be remembered as a tall, loving man with a playful spirit who never missed a chance to tease those he was near. He had a way of making people smile, often with a cup of coffee nearby and a grin on his face. You would often find him working the land alongside his brother, something he deeply cherished. And if he wasn’t farming, he was most likely spending time with the love of his life, Nan: driving around together, running errands, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Those quiet, everyday moments were some of his greatest joys and a reflection of a life content in the Lord’s provision. Through every season—service, teaching, farming, and family—Sam lived a life marked by faithfulness, humility, and a steady trust in God.

Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years, Nan; siblings, Rena (Joe) Penkala, Anna (Ed) Memmelaar, Alberta (John) French, Shirley (Albert) Brewton, Carolyn (Tim) Boersma, Tina (Dean) Rooks, Jeff (Kristi) Dykstra, Cecelia (Bob) Sisco, Albert (Lora) Dykstra, and Hank (Betty) Dykstra; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents and great-nephew, Owen Dykstra.

Visitation will take place on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Beuschel Funeral Home, 5018 Alpine Avenue NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321. Visitation will continue Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, 660 S State St, Sparta, MI 49345, from 10:00am until 11:00am with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Shaun M. Furniss and Rev. C.J. den Dulk officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Army and the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard immediately following the service. Sam will be laid to rest at Lisbon Cemetery in Sparta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Mighty Oaks Foundation, an organization that assists veterans and was dear to Sam’s heart.