Sharon R. Dykstra

       Sharon R. Dykstra, age 69, died February 14, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, after a series of falls. Services will be at Sunnybrook Community Church at 11:00AM on Wednesday, February 19th followed by a luncheon with visitation for an hour before the service. A private burial will take place at Hope Cemetery in Hull, Iowa.

       Sharon was born September 27, 1955, in Denver, Colorado, graduating from Denver Christian School in 1973. She met her future husband, Daniel, at Dordt College (now University). They were married on June 4, 1976, in Denver. Together they traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, the last trip being to Provence, France to see the blooming lavender.

       During high school and until the birth of children, Sharon worked at a variety of jobs, several at hospitals. Following the birth of her first child she became a dedicated full-time mother. Sharon and Dan were the parents of four children.

       Sharon was musical, playing the trombone through college, singing in choirs, and instilled the love of music (mostly voluntarily) in her four children. She was a giving person. She often created themed gift boxes for children and numerous others who lived some distance away. She especially enjoyed St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) in keeping with her Dutch heritage. She dedicated a room to this endeavor. She had an active account with the shipping company.

       Recognizing the need for support of mothers with small children she helped form Mothers of Preschoolers (now known as “MomCo”) which supported young mothers and through that program influenced the lives of hundreds of mothers in the community. 

       Sharon loved stories of those who overcame challenges in their life, especially those pertaining to the Holocaust. 

       Sharon will be missed by several hair and nail stylists, Amazon, neighborhood children, and her dog, Charlie.

       Sharon is survived by her husband of 48 years, Daniel, and her four children: Josiah (Alicia) of Ellicott City, MD, Jesse (Chelsea) of North Hollywood, CA (together with a first grandchild due in July), Jordan (girlfriend Melanie) of Brooklyn, NY, and Shantelle (fiancé Michael) of Haltom City, TX, two brothers Donald and Dale Leensvaart and a sister Joyce Wyma and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Harriet Leensvaart, and her brother, Sherman.

       Sharon was fiercely loyal to her family, a woman of strong convictions, and deeply rooted in her faith.

       Memorials may be sent to The Hope Center at Sunnybrook Community Church.