Obituary for Duane VanDyke
On September 29, 1930 Rev. and Mrs. J. R. Van Dyke welcomed their fourth son, Duane, while living in Ireton, IA. His family included 3 brothers, Raymond, baby Louis Jack, Louis and later sister Ardith, all who have preceded him in death. On January 8, Duane entered his much awaited heavenly home.
The Van Dyke family moved from Iowa to Oak Harbor WA where Duane graduated from high school. His work career began first at Oak Harbor Freight Lines, then 35 years at NAS Whidbey followed by joining his wife as independent window covering contractors.
May 21, 1952 was the beginning of a 67 year marriage with Trudy Eskes and the adventure grew with the addition of four children, Jan, Larry, Sandy and Jim. The family continued to grow and eventually included 8 grandchildren and 7 greatgrandchildren.
Many family vacations were spent camping; sometimes exploring the United States and other times just playing and fishing. As empty nesters, Duane and Trudy enjoyed travels in Europe and several cruises.
Duane’s workshop was the source of many repairs, woodworking and upholstery projects. Giving back to others was important to Duane and he provided support in a variety of roles to both the local Oak Harbor CRC and the Oak Harbor Christian School.
Duane and Trudy downsized in 2006 and moved to Heather Village in Mt. Vernon. Even in the later years of retirement, Duane volunteered at Bargains Thrift Store.
I have slipped away from the homeland,
For a mansion wondrously fair,
Rejoice with me in this gladness,
Remember I have left every care.
And grieve not for the house that I lived in,
As you lay it beneath the sod,
Remember that dwelt in it
Has gone to be with her(his) God,
For this little house that I lived in,
Was wind-shaken, old and decayed,
It had weathered the storms and the tempest
And lightning around it had played.
The Savior who loved me so dearly,
Who walked by my side all the way,
See that my little old house was crumbling,
So he bade me hasten away.
For me He has finished a mansion,
In the House over the land and sea
HE had it all ready and waiting,
So He came after me.
And in this I shall dwell forever,
Away from all sickness and pain,
For Jesus purchased my freedom,
And cleansed me from every sin.
My Jesus who loved me so dearly,
For my life He paid with His own
He called away to be with Him,
As He reigns on His beautiful throne
For each of you who are faithful,
And have walked by my side all the way,
I’ll be waiting in Heaven’s great mansion,
So meet me there some sweet day.
By
Christine Wiersma
In lieu of flowers, the Van Dyke family would appreciate donations to either the Oak Harbor Christian School or the Mt Vernon Christian School.
The Van Dyke family moved from Iowa to Oak Harbor WA where Duane graduated from high school. His work career began first at Oak Harbor Freight Lines, then 35 years at NAS Whidbey followed by joining his wife as independent window covering contractors.
May 21, 1952 was the beginning of a 67 year marriage with Trudy Eskes and the adventure grew with the addition of four children, Jan, Larry, Sandy and Jim. The family continued to grow and eventually included 8 grandchildren and 7 greatgrandchildren.
Many family vacations were spent camping; sometimes exploring the United States and other times just playing and fishing. As empty nesters, Duane and Trudy enjoyed travels in Europe and several cruises.
Duane’s workshop was the source of many repairs, woodworking and upholstery projects. Giving back to others was important to Duane and he provided support in a variety of roles to both the local Oak Harbor CRC and the Oak Harbor Christian School.
Duane and Trudy downsized in 2006 and moved to Heather Village in Mt. Vernon. Even in the later years of retirement, Duane volunteered at Bargains Thrift Store.
I have slipped away from the homeland,
For a mansion wondrously fair,
Rejoice with me in this gladness,
Remember I have left every care.
And grieve not for the house that I lived in,
As you lay it beneath the sod,
Remember that dwelt in it
Has gone to be with her(his) God,
For this little house that I lived in,
Was wind-shaken, old and decayed,
It had weathered the storms and the tempest
And lightning around it had played.
The Savior who loved me so dearly,
Who walked by my side all the way,
See that my little old house was crumbling,
So he bade me hasten away.
For me He has finished a mansion,
In the House over the land and sea
HE had it all ready and waiting,
So He came after me.
And in this I shall dwell forever,
Away from all sickness and pain,
For Jesus purchased my freedom,
And cleansed me from every sin.
My Jesus who loved me so dearly,
For my life He paid with His own
He called away to be with Him,
As He reigns on His beautiful throne
For each of you who are faithful,
And have walked by my side all the way,
I’ll be waiting in Heaven’s great mansion,
So meet me there some sweet day.
By
Christine Wiersma
In lieu of flowers, the Van Dyke family would appreciate donations to either the Oak Harbor Christian School or the Mt Vernon Christian School.