Dennis Dykema, 94, of Lisbon, ND formerly of Strasburg, passed away September 9, 2026, at SMP Health Maryhill, Enderlin, ND. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Linton United Methodist Church. Burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Sannes Feist Funeral Home, Linton. A livestream of Dennis's service will be available on the funeral home website.

Dennis Delvin Dykema was born November 16, 1931, on a farm five miles west of Westfield, ND to Abel and Wilmina (Millenaar) Dykema. Later the family moved to a farm two miles north of Westfield where Dennis lived until he was drafted into the US Army in June of 1953 at the age of 21 and was honorably discharged in May of 1955. After returning home he worked in Pollock, SD on the Presbyterian Church, which was being built in new Pollock. Dennis married Doris Van Beek on March 22, 1956. Together they lived in Strasburg for the first six months and then he attended Hanson Mechanic Trade School in Fargo. After completing his course, he worked at John Deere in Linton until August of 1958. They then moved to a farm a quarter mile North of Hull, ND and after four years they moved to a farm one mile west of Westfield where they continued to farm and run a dairy operation. In 1996 they sold the dairy and Dennis drove a bus route for the Strasburg School. In 2001 Dennis and Doris moved to Strasburg, where he continued the school bus route and drove the Emmons County Transit bus for 10 years. Following his retirement they moved to Lisbon, ND.

He was a member of Hope Reformed Church, Westfield for 40 years and the Linton United Methodist Church. As well as a member of the Strasburg VFW and the American Legion in Pollock and later Herreid since 1958.

Dennis never passed up the opportunity to have a conversation with someone, many times making new friends from complete strangers. He had a special way of seeing the good in everyone and making the best of every situation. He loved to laugh, was fun loving and enjoyed being with people. He was always smiling, willing to help anytime and a friend to many, no matter what age, he was there. He also enjoyed puzzles, word searches, humming and singing and last but not least spending time with his family and friends.

Dennis is survived by his wife Doris Dykema; four sons, Darwin (Deb) Dykema, Danny (Talle) Dykema, Curtis (Noreen) Dykema and Roger (Rebecca) Dykema; 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; one sister, Arlene Davis; sisters-in-law Jean Dykema, Marlene Dykema and Elizabeth Dykema; brothers in-law, Don Van Beek, and Ron Schultz; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Marvin, Louis, John (Monica) and Orville Dykema; and brother-in-law Don Davis.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to the Linton American Legion or Tracy’s Sanctuary House, Bismarck.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of SMP Health Maryhill and Hospice for the excellent care Dennis received during his time with them.