Benjamin Dykstra

Ben Dykstra was many things to many people, but to his family and those close to him, he was lovingly counted as a gift of joy from God. A remarkably talented young man who was fearless, he found balance with his generous spirit, kind heart and loving ways. Blessed to have known and loved him, hearts have been made fuller and lives richer because of him.

On August 19, 1992, Ken and Heidi Dykstra were given their third gift from God. Benjamin, born 6 pounds, 5 ounces, took the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives. Soon taking on the nickname “The Beninator”, Ben was a burst of life and became well known throughout the community.

Ben was an incredible baby. Being the last of three, he was the first to give his mom the gift of a night sleep. From his earliest years, he was fearless, yet had the perception of a kind and gentle soul. His family made their home in Westmont, Illinois, where Ben proved to be all boy. As a toddler, he had an arm that could throw a spiral on a football that would sting your hand. Ben had beautiful eyelashes that could warm anyone’s heart, and he learned early on how to use them to his advantage. Always a joy and a true gift, Ben’s loving heart was especially evident at the age of two when his father was diagnosed with cancer. Even at that tender age, he possessed the uncanny ability to know just when a snuggle or smile was needed by his family during that trying time.

With two older brothers to look up to, it was common for Ben to tag along beside them. He often hitched rides on the pegs of Adam’s bike and David taught him how to ride his own bike without training wheels. It was never any wonder why his first word was “cool”! He was also a very imaginative and creative boy. Ben was such a creative soul he could make something amazing out of everyday items. When he was seven years old, the family made a move to the town of Vicksburg, Michigan, where Ben quickly made many new friends. A smart boy, he attended Sunset Lake Elementary School, where won a Great Lakes Scholar Award in 4th Grade.

Ben was a born daredevil. Within a year of moving to Michigan, Ben took up the sport of skateboarding. His brother David was so excited to share the passion with his little brother. Ben, excelling in anything “extreme”, he always impressed anyone who watched him on his board. Whether it was winning contests, going to skate camp, or just shredding a ramp in the back yard, Ben loved every moment he spent on his skateboard.

Snowboarding also became one of Ben’s favorite pastimes, which he shared with his brother, and whenever he was able, he was riding the slopes at Timber Ridge and Bittersweet. Just a few years ago, he discovered the ultimate snowboarding adventure, enjoying the mountains of Colorado while visiting his brother David, who had moved to Breckinridge. He often recalled fond memories of his recent “guy’s trip” to Colorado, and quad riding the trails, even skateboarding world class skate parks. Ben even enjoyed a game of disc golf with his dad and astonished the other golfers with his straight shots and fabulous aim.

Faith was an integral part of Ben’s life. His heart came to know the Lord while still in Downers Grove as a youngster, and as a member of Country Christian Evangelical Free Church in Vicksburg, his faith continued to grow. Ben was a kind soul and a gentleman in every sense who treated others with respect. He was fortunate to have shared an extremely close relationship with his grandparents, and was affectionately known to his Grandpa Hiskes as his “little buddy”.

Currently in his senior year at Vicksburg High School, Ben was contemplating nursing school or possibly taking a semester or two off after graduating this year to just enjoy being a “ski bum” before furthering his education. With much ahead, Ben was full of endless hopes, dreams and possibilities when at the age of 18, he suddenly and unexpectedly died at home on Saturday, February 26, 2011.

In the brief time he lived, laughed and loved, Ben was many things to many people. A gift from above, his kind spirit, generous nature and loving heart made a difference in every life he touched. He was a blessing to love, to have known and will be forever, deeply missed in the hearts of many, and will never be forgotten by his beloved family.

For those of you who knew Ben, please remember his sense of humor, his talent for just about anything he put his mind to, his sense of adventure, and his kindness and love. These are the things that make up who Ben Dykstra was, and more importantly, where he is now. These characteristics can be remembered, but the world would be a better place if all of us live our lives with his best qualities.

We thank Ben and God for a little brother, an amazing son, a best friend, and so many other roles he played that are cherished and forever lasting. We love Ben, and always will.

Visit with Ben’s family and friends, view his life story film, and share light refreshments on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main Street (649-1697). A service will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Country Christian Evangelical Free Church. Ben is survived by his parents, Ken and Heidi Dykstra; his brothers, Adam Dykstra and David Dykstra; his maternal grandparents, Don and Ruth Hiskes; paternal grandparents, John and Lois Dykstra; aunts and uncles: Sandy (Dave) Dykstra, Karen (Ken) Heerdt, John (Paula) Dykstra, Scott (Sherri) Hiskes, Mark (Julie Hiskes), Uncle Rick; cousins, David Dykstra, Matthew Dykstra, Micah (Stacy) Heerdt, Faith Dykstra, Billy Dykstra, Jason (Paulina) Swaagman, Justine Hiskes, Joel hiskes, Jamilyn Hiskes and Brian Hiskes; special friends the Geertsma family, and many close friends. Please visit Ben’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can submit a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to South County Community Services or Country Christian Evangelical Free Church.