LCDR David A. Dykstra USN Ret.

David Dykstra, born April 16, 1942 Forest Grove, Oregon. Son of Albert Peter Dykstra and Lois Margaret (Canaga) Dykstra.

LCDR Dykstra was proud of his service of 25 years in the United States Navy. He first served aboard the USS Tang (SS 563), followed by the USS Daniel Webster (SSBN 626). As a NESEP, he received both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from CU Boulder, and later received an MBA from Boston University. After graduation, David was assigned to the USS Edward McDonnell (FF 1043), followed by various duty stations including Officer in Charge of MOTU6 in Naples, Italy, and his last military assignment in Yokohama, Japan.

As an electrical engineer, David wrote several published articles. He taught engineering and computer science at two technical universities. His son, Sean, attended as a student. They commuted together every night while Sean worked toward his Bachelor’s Degree. Every Friday, David would crank the radio and both would sing along whenever they heard “It’s Finally Friday”.

David alongside his daughter Michele became Amateur Radio Operators, taking courses and studying morse code together. He was a member of the American Radio Relay League, IFFF, IEEE, the American Legion, FRA, MOAA, VFW, DFASA and USSVI Subvets. He was also a Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu alum.

David had a passion for the mountains, trekking with his daughter Sherry and wife Lynda, to Rocky Mountain National Park, where they would witness the wonder of nature and the transformation of animals as the seasons would bring forth exciting changes, reminding them all of life’s precious joys.

David and Lynda loved cruising and traveling with family and friends. Exploring the world by land, sea and air was always an adventure. He was also known for his unique, and dry, sense of humor, and he enjoyed family game time, puzzles and games of strategy. A highlight for David was stopping at Dutch Bros and buying everyone a steaming hot cup of coffee. May all who knew him raise a cup and “Prost!”

David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lynda, and his children, Michele, Sherry, and Sean, 5 grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his brothers Dennis and Donald. His half-siblings Alfred and Gwenneth are deceased.

For those who wish to say their final goodbyes, a Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Greenwood Funeral Home in Renton, Washington. He will be laid to rest at 2:00pm on the same day at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. Full Military Honors will be rendered in recognition of David’s service to his country.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in David’s memory may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Fond memories of David and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.