Craig Dykstra

Craig Dykstra was born on May 31, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away after a long illness on June 1, 2025. He was the son of Richard and Pauline Dykstra, who raised him in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan. An ardent Wolverine, Craig loved his academic studies as well as attending football, basketball, and hockey games.

Upon receipt of his undergraduate degree, he matriculated at Princeton Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity degree. After completing his M.Div, he and his family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he was ordained and became an assistant pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church before returning to Princeton for his Ph.D. The family then moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where Craig was on the faculty of Louisville Presbyterian Seminary as Professor of Practical Theology until he was called back to Princeton to join the faculty as the Thomas W. Synott Professor Christian Education and Practical Theology, thinking he would be in that post for the rest of his career. Not so!

In 1989, Craig was invited to become the Vice President of Religion at the Lilly Endowment in Indianapolis, where he served for 23 years. The position at the Endowment brought Craig great satisfaction as he created, and assisted others, in creating new programs to improve the field of religion. By the end of his tenure, he oversaw the awarding of 6,321 grants by the Endowment. These grants were primarily aimed to deepen and enrich the place of religion in people’s lives. He also led initiatives for congregational leadership and others to enhance excellence in ministry. Upon retirement from the Endowment, he spent several years working with students at Duke Divinity School, retiring from that position as Emeritus Research Professor of Practical Theology and Emeritus Senior Fellow at Leadership Education.

A devoted writer, Craig was the author of numerous books on Christian practices as well as many essays, edited several other books, and, at Princeton, served as the Editor of the journal, Theology Today.

He was known among his friends and colleagues as a kind and generous person, whose values were rooted in faith. He was a faithful congregant at churches wherever he lived. In Indianapolis, he found his place at Second Presbyterian Church, where he assisted in many programs and supported the Mission programs in different ways.

He was married to his longtime best friend, Betsy, for nearly 56 years. Together they raised two wonderful sons, Peter (Janine) and Andy (Becky), who survive him along with grandchildren Katie, Charlie, Maggie, Ruby, and Adam. His family brought him the greatest joy, be it while they visited him at home, he at their homes, or on one of their fabulous family trips. In addition, he was able to entice his sons and then grandchildren into joining him in his favorite hobby -- golf. One of his proudest accomplishments outside of his family and academic and vocational pursuits were his six holes-in-one! In addition to golf, he loved the arts and attending performances of local live theater. As a former string bass player, classical music was a source of enjoyment even in his final days. For as long as he was able, symphony attendance was a must for Craig.

The family is grateful to the many friends and colleagues who supported him throughout his illness. They are especially thankful for the fine staff at Second Presbyterian Church, the staff at Hickory at Hoosier Village, as well as those from Paradigm Hospice.

Craig will be deeply missed by all who were able to cross his path.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Second Presbyterian Church, located at 7700 North Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a calling and reception immediately following the service, in McFarland Hall.

In lieu of flowers, his desire was that those who are able might contribute to Second Presbyterian Church (mark it for the Mission program), the Indiana Repertory Theatre, or the Indianapolis Symphony.