Robert Dykstra

Robert Philip Dykstra passed away at his home on January 29, 2023, in Taylorsville, Utah. He was 67 years old. Robert (Bob) was born in Huntsville, Alabama on September 7, 1955, to Philip Rouse Dykstra and Martha Lou Hierholzer. Bob was the second oldest of seven children, Joan, John, Mark, Ann, Mary and Karen. The family moved to Brigham City, Utah in 1958 where Bob attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and graduated from Box Elder High School in 1973. Bob went on to attend the University of Utah where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1978. While attending the University of Utah, Bob was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He developed a strong testimony of Joseph Smith and was baptized in 1976. Shortly after beginning his career at Thiokol, Bob made the decision to honorably serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1979 to 1981, in Dearborn, MI. Upon returning, he continued his career as a Chemical Engineer at Hercules. His children loved telling people their dad was a rocket scientist!

Shortly after he returned from his mission Bob was sealed to Ann Burnham in the Logan Temple on August 21, 1981. They moved to Taylorsville in 1982 where they raised four fabulous children together: Katie, Christie, Peter, and Jon Paul. Bob and Ann divorced in 2004. Bob met and fell in love with Elaine Marsden. They were sealed in the Bountiful Temple on August 28, 2010. Bob loved Elaine deeply and the two have lived an amazing life together in Taylorsville ever since. Elaine has lovingly referred to Bob as her rock.

Bob grew up on skis and loved to go skiing with his family and friends. He was an excellent chess player and extremely intelligent. In his later years, he loved playing tennis. He also enjoyed playing pickleball with Elaine. Bob was an excellent friend to many. His sense of humor and knowledge of so many topics made him easy to love. He was a wonderful father to all his children, staying in contact with them on a regular basis making sure they all felt his love. On September 14, 2022, Bob was blessed to receive a kidney and was so grateful for the donor and the donor's family for allowing that to happen.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Marsden Dykstra, his four children Katherine Ann Nielsen (Shaun), Christine Marie Beecher (Ryan), Robert Peter Dykstra, Jon Paul Dykstra (Julie); his four stepchildren Chad Dunn (Amy), Kelly Baldwin (Mike), Lindee Orr (Lance), Alyse Larrabe (Alex); his stepmother Nancy Dykstra; his grandchildren Peyton Beecher, Regan Beecher, Brolan Dunn, Logan Orr, Liam Orr, Bodie Baldwin, Kelsi Rose (Jake), Jacob Morell (Montana). Great-grandchildren Ava Lyn Morrel, Aria Jade Morell; his brothers John Dykstra, Mark Dykstra (Janene), and sisters Joan Dykstra, Ann Dykstra and Mary Feten (Dave), his stepsisters Ann Davis (Darren) and Jennette Carpenter and many nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Philip Rouse Dykstra, Martha Lou Hierholzer Dykstra, and his sister, Karen Sue Dykstra.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 5775 S 2700 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, February 3, 2023, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 5775 S 2700 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. An additional viewing will be held prior to Saturday's funeral service from 10:00-10:45 am.

Interment, Bountiful City Cemetery

For those unable to attend the funeral service in person, there will be a Zoom broadcast available:  https://zoom.us/j/98112231847