Ellis Wykstra

The heart of Ellie Wykstra was evident in all he said and did. He gave selflessly of his time, his talents, and shared his unending faith in ways all his own. Ellie was a beloved man who was outgoing, and a stranger to none. He treasured his family, was thankful for good friends, and lived his life abundantly blessed. For these things and so much more, he will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Ellie's story began at a time when Americans were beginning to hope again, and by 1939, the U.S. was slowly emerging from the Great Depression. The introduction of, “God Bless America” boosted the spirits of all, while moviegoers enjoyed the premieres of, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and “Gone With the Wind”. During this optimistic time, a most blessed event in the lives of Anthony "Bandy" and Kathryn (Schipper) Wykstra was the July 21, 1939 birth of their little boy, Ellis.

Born in Plainwell, Michigan, Ellis grew up in the community of Martin, Michigan. The oldest of ten children in his family, he was joined by his younger siblings Russ, Lorraine, Earl, Harold, Phyllis, Donna, Andy, Roy, and Mary. His father owned Wykstra Oil Company while his mother remained at home as a homemaker with their bustling household. He enjoyed a childhood typical for the times, and from his earliest beginnings faith played a vital role in his upbringing.

During his youth, Ellis became quite fond of sports. He liked all sports in general, and played football in high school. Having graduated in 1957 from Martin High School, Ellis went on to further his education. He attended Hope College for two years before an urge to spread his wings found him moving to California with a friend. In California, Ellis secured a job at a meat packing plant until he landed a position working at IBM.

Faith was a large part of Ellie's life and heart. While in California he attended Bethany Christian Reformed in Bellflower. Each Sunday after church the young people got together for fellowship. On one particular Sunday afternoon, Ellie met the young woman who would become his life's companion and helpmate, Vonnie. It took a little convincing on his part, but once they began dating, it was a match made in heaven. Soon after, the couple shared vows of marriage on June 15, 1961. Since their families were in Michigan and Minnesota, it was a small wedding in California, but they were overjoyed to begin their new lives together just the same. A year and a half later, they were blessed with their first child, Charlotte Ann.

When his uncle passed away in January of 1964, Ellie and Vonnie moved to Michigan to help with the family oil business. Later, he began working for Kal-Equipment in Otsego, Michigan. Soon their family grew, Ellie and Vonnie welcomed two more daughters into their lives with the births of Dianne Joy, and Debra Sue, who completed their family.

As a couple, Ellie and Vonnie were involved in the lives of their girls. They supported them in their educations, and served as youth group leaders for several years while attending East Martin Christian Reformed Church. There was a special group of young men in the group Ellie mentored, and he often took them skiing and played softball with them.

The Wykstra family enjoyed camping together, and in 1976 their entire family took a six month vacation around the U.S. and Canada, including Alaska. During this time, they lived in a motor home Ellie built out of a former carpet truck. Great memories were made on this memorable excursion as they took in spectacular sights never to be forgotten. In later years, Ellie and Vonnie enjoyed wintering in the warmer climate of Arizona for several years.

Ellie remained an avid sports enthusiast throughout his life. He not only played sports, but coached and served as a referee for several sports. He loved watching sports on TV, and was especially a fan of the Cubs and Tigers. Along with his love for sports, Ellie also enjoyed watching the news and politics. He kept up-to-date on currents events and world affairs, and added much to a good conversation. With his outgoing nature, he liked talking about sports and politics.

When grandchildren came into Ellie's life, the twinkle in his eye was made brighter. He loved them dearly, and often went to their sporting events whenever he had the opportunity. Teasing was also a part of Ellie's nature, and his jokester ways made him all the more lovable.

It was clear that Ellie had a heart for others. Throughout the years, he and Vonnie took in three foster children whom they nurtured, and after Ellie retired he loved working with Christian Reformed World Relief. He traveled with the group when needed to help with disaster relief in ravaged areas, and also helped by responding to the vast needs following 9/11. Whether near or far, Ellie helped anyone in their time of need. A man of integrity who gave from the heart, Ellie Wykstra was a devoted husband, dedicated father, cherished grandfather and friend to those who knew and loved him. Gone but never to be forgotten, his example lives on in the hearts of many.

Ellis Wykstra, age 74 of Kalamazoo passed away March 2, 2014 at his home. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Thursday, March 6 from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 7, 1:00 PM at the Westwood Christian Reformed Church; 620 Northampton Rd, Kalamazoo Township. Ellie’s family includes his wife of 53 years, Vonnie; children: Charlotte (Doug) Corstange, Dianne (Frank) Boylan, Debra (Chris) Kloet; siblings: Russ, Lorraine, Earl, Harold, Phyllis, Donna, Andy, and Mary; seven grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Roy, a niece Dana, and a nephew, Aaron. Please visit Ellie’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to World Relief.