Willard graduated from Holland high school in 1956 and was honorably discharged from the US Army when his tour finished in 1962.
He married Lois Ter Haar of Zealand on February 2, 1962 and he worked at the Ottawa County Road commission until they both retired on August 26, 1999. They then spent the next 25 years together traveling in their RV and watching their grandchildren play sports and activities as they grew up. Rarely did they miss a game, match, meet, or concert and weather was not an obstacle.
Willard is survived by: his sons, Brent Dykens (Daniele Krueger) Dykens, Brad (Jennifer) Dykens; grandchildren, Dan (Olivia) Dykens of Holland, Adam Dykens of Holland, Drew (Elise) Dykens of West Olive, Emma and Stacey Dykens of Zeeland; brother Jim (Ruth) Dykens of Holland; sisters, Helen Ver Hulst of Zeeland, Carol Kooiker of Holland, Beverly (Rich) Woltman of Holland; sister-in-law, Luanne Dykens of Holland.
Willard was preceded in death by: his wife, Lois Dykens; brother, Gene Dykens; brother-in-laws, Ted Kooiker and Terry Ver Hulst.
A visitation for Willard will be held Monday, December 2, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lakeshore Memorial, 11939 James St, Holland, Michigan 49424, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM. Inurnment will be at North Holland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association.
