Tina Dyksma, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years, John; and son, Edward. She is survived by her children, Melinda Widdis (Dyksma) and Michael Dyksma; her brothers, Hank and Bob Oly; grandchildren, Alisha Hinrichs (Jon), Amy Shakarjian, Adam Widdis (Ashley) and Justin Dyksma; along with six great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Her circle of close, lifelong friends, including Fia, Sharron, and Linda, meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment spent together.
Born in the Netherlands, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 with her family, beginning a new life rooted in hard work, love, and resilience.
She began her career as a beautician, sharing her creativity and sense of style with everyone who sat in her chair. Later, she joined Grand Rapids Public Schools, where through dedication and kindness she worked her way up to become the head secretary at Northeast Middle School. She was admired for her warmth, efficiency, and the genuine care she showed to students and staff alike.
She married the love of her life, John, and together they raised three children — Melinda, Edward, and Michael. The family shared countless happy times camping at Ludington State Park, a tradition that eventually led them to purchase a cottage just two blocks from the Ludington City Beach. It became a beloved gathering place filled with laughter, love, and lifelong memories.
She enjoyed playing dice and card games, spending time with friends, and bringing people together. Always stylish and put-together, she never went anywhere without her hair done — she was truly beautiful, inside and out. She loved shopping, gardening, and she found joy in traveling and exploring new places. A devoted reader, she found joy and comfort in the pages of Danielle Steel’s books, always eager to start the next story of love and resilience.
Above all, she loved her family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. Her warmth, grace, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the love she so freely gave.
Her legacy of beauty, strength, and family devotion will live on in all who were blessed to know and love her. Her warmth and love left a lasting mark on every heart she touched. To know her was to love her, she will be incredibly missed by all.
Visitation with the family will be held from 1-3:30pm on Friday, November 14, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546. Private family interment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park, Walker, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The American Lung Association, 1475 E. 12 Mile Road Madison Heights, MI 48071
5 Responses
My heart goes out to the family. I was very fortunate to meet and have many wonderful conversations with this amazing lady! She brought me into her home, sat me at her table and treated me as if we had known each other forever. I have never met a more kind, gentle woman in all my life. I will miss her and our talks more than word can express. She reached out to me for help cleaning, but in the end I think she helped me more than I ever could of known. She could take one look at me and know I needed her kindness and gentle words. I will think of her and her kindness often… She was truly one in a million❤️
My deepest sympathies to Tina’s family and friends. I grew up across the street from Tina and was treated to many of her lovely haircuts. She was kind, generous, and filled with joy. She would always let us kids pick pears off the tree in her backyard. It was such a treat! She will be missed dearly, but I know the Lord has received her with open arms. Rest in peace, Tina ✝️
I am so sorry to hear of Tina’s passing. I worked with Tina in the Community Ed office at Central High School. I learned a lot from Tina about community education and throughout the years we both worked at different buildings but when we saw each other it was like we still worked together. After I left Central, Tina was like a school mother to my daughter Kim. Mike was in the class with my son Willy.
I always enjoyed talking to Tina regarding her children and grandchildren.
When I think of Tina I will always remember her smile, her laugh and being such a fun and careing person.
My sincere condolences to Tina’s family. I had the pleasure of working with her at GRPS and soon discovered that we had a lot in common. We were both Dutch immigrants and, surprisingly, in the 1960’s she and her husband John had been to my parents meat market…which was well known for its Dutch meats and cheeses. Over the years, Tina and I would get together for lunch and, after retirement , we continue to get together for our birthdays and other social events. When my aunt visited here from the Netherlands she invited us over for a cup of coffee (a very Dutch tradition). My aunt loved meeting one of my friends she could easily converse with in Dutch! Tina was a very kind and giving woman. She loved and was very proud of her family. She will definitely be missed. ❤
My sincerest condolence and sympathies to the Dyksma family.
I had the privilege to meet Mrs. Dyksma (Tina) many years ago. I met Mike, while attending Davenport, and started working at Fulton Heights Foods. Mike invited me over, one day, and I met the entire family. Tina welcomed me in like we’d known each other forever. Anytime I stopped by we’d typically hang out in the kitchen talking, laughing and more times than not having a cold one (or two) with Mr. Dyksma – out of his favorite beer glasses. (great memories)! A few years later, I moved to San Diego and need a place to stay the night before. Tina opened her doors, fed me and welcomed me to stay – that was just her genuine kindness. It was an honor to know her and cherish some great memories.