Don “Dick” Dykema, age 66, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was born August 20, 1960, in Linton, North Dakota, to Orville and Marlene (Dornbush) Dykema.
Dick was a lifelong member of the Eagles Aerie #3774 and was proud to be part of the Eagles community. He enjoyed listening to rock and roll music, with Tom Petty being one of his favorites. His love of music often led to concert trips with his cousin, Dar, where they enjoyed seeing many of their favorite artists, including Tom Petty, KISS, Ted Nugent, Joe Walsh, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Lenny Kravitz, and Ozzy Osbourne, among many others.
Dick loved spending time outdoors, especially tending his backyard vegetable garden. He was an avid bird watcher and could identify the different types of birds he saw around his home. His backyard was also a special place where he enjoyed relaxing with his beloved dog, “Bud,” a Dalmatian he had named after his favorite beer. He even built a pen in the backyard for “Miss Kitty,” the family’s indoor cat, so she could enjoy being outside with him.
After a long day of work, Dick enjoyed sitting outside with Woody, having a couple of beers while unwinding and enjoying the evening. Dick spent 36 years working in construction for Warren Construction, forming a tight friendship with his employer, Woody. Their friendship was an important part of Dick’s life and his daily routine.
Earlier in life, Dick enjoyed fishing and deer hunting with his father, Orville. He also grew up helping with harvesting in South Dakota, experiences that remained an important part of his memories. He was a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan, sticking with his team through both the good seasons and the bad ones.
Dick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Abel and Wilmina Dykema and Ike and Ann Dornbush; and his father, Orville Dykema.
He is survived by his mother, Marlene Dykema; his significant other, Jody Stearley; his brother, Orville “Ort” (Joy) Dykema, Jr., of Strasburg, North Dakota; and his sisters, Cindy (Merl) Ryckman of Pollock, South Dakota, and Rhonda (Troy) Holzer of Trail City, South Dakota. He is also survived by his cousins, nieces and nephews, and many close friends who will miss him dearly.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026, at WaKeeney City Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to WaKeeney Eagles Aerie #3774 and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
To share memories or leave condolences with the family, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.