Joy A. Dykstra

Surrounded by her loving family, Joy A. Dykstra, age 79, passed away Monday morning, April 20, 2015. Joy was born in Racine, November 8, 1935, daughter of the late Edwin and Dorothy (Nee: Peterson) Mikulecky.

Joy was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1954”. On March 20, 1956 she was united in marriage to Alfred Gryniewicz who preceded her in death, July 11, 1999. On April 8, 2000 she was united in marriage to her soulmate, John Dykstra. Joy was employed by Racine Unified School District for over twenty years. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church. Joy had a generous heart and enjoyed knitting, sewing, painting, gardening, yard work and was the “best housekeeper in Racine”. Above all she was devoted to her family and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her loving husband, John; her cherished daughter, Catherine Gryniewicz; the best sister-in-law, Darlene Gryniewicz; niece, Lisa (Hans) Seeger; nephews, Steven (Susanne Gryniewicz, Michael (Jennifer) Gryniewicz, Thomas (Danielle) Gryniewicz; stepsons, John (Julie) Dykstra, Don (Margie) Dykstra; stepdaughters, Donna (Frank) Manfredi, Tricia (Dean) Schmidt, Jamie (Phil) Holtjie, Ann (Pat) Kerkhoff, Marcy (Kyle) Groters; good neighbor and friend, Angie Thomas; other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Thomas Uhr.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home, Friday, April 24, 2015, 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Christine Echelbarger officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. Memorials to Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church or St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

Remember the “joy” with which she lived her life and her name.