Larry A. Dykstra, age 69, of Friesland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, June 24, 2013.

Larry was born on April 28, 1944 in the Town of Randolph to Clifford and Cordula (nee Treptow) Dykstra. On April 30, 1965 he was united in marriage to Marcia Fisher at First Reformed Church in Friesland. Larry was an active member of First Reformed Church, where he served as a past Sunday School teacher, Deacon and Elder. Larry spent his entire career in agricultural sales, most years as co-owner of Cliff's, Inc. Larry was also an active member of the Columbia County Chapter of Pheasants Forever. He joined the Friesland Fire Department in 1962, at the age of 18. He served as the Fire Chief for 17 years before he retired on May 1, 1986 and continued to serve as a volunteer. He was also elected to serve on the Cambria-Friesland School Board for nine years, serving three years as Board President before he retired in 1989.

He was a wonderful storyteller, writer and always treasured the time he spent reading aloud to his children and grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride and joy. He always put them ahead of himself and enjoyed getting everyone together for family trips and gatherings. The 20 acres that he lived on provided him endless opportunities for enjoyment, whether it was planting more trees in his woods, driving around on his Ford Jubilee tractor, teaching his grandchildren how to drive, hunting or just listening to the "Peepers" croak. Larry looked forward to his annual fall pheasant hunting trip to South Dakota. He was also a history buff, especially interested in Civil War history.

Larry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marcia of Friesland; his children, Jay (Carrie) Dykstra of Horicon and Julie (Mike) Barrett of East Friesland; his grandchildren, Emily and Chelsey Barrett, Graham, Clara and Miles Dykstra; his mother, Cordula Dykstra; and his siblings, Dennis (Louise) Dykstra of Friesland, Joyce (Dallas) Stratman of Caledonia, MI, Stan (Sissy) Dykstra of Williamsburg, VA, Terry (Dede) Dykstra of Friesland and Pam (Gary) Hagarty of Collinsville, IL. He is further survived by his aunts, Sally Treptow of CA and Rose (Ed) Horton of Cambria; his in-laws, Trix Daane of Waupun, Kathy (Dennis) Geier of Oshkosh, Steve (Karen) Fisher of East Friesland, Rita (Jeff) Greiner of Germany, Pam (Neal) Hendrickson of Cambria, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and his precious German Shorthair, Katie.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford, his in-laws, Frank and Jeanette Fisher, one brother-in-law, Larry Daane and other relatives.

A Funeral Service for Larry will be held on Friday, June 28, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at First Reformed Church, 107 E. Winnebago St., Friesland with Rev. Rob Ford officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Thursday, June 27 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and also on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.