William P. Dykema, 94, of Ripon, CA passed away peacefully December 29, 2013 at Bethany Home.
Born in Hull North Dakota. William was the son of Peter and Nellie Dykema, and was one of  four brothers, Alfred, Ed, and Ernest.
William was drafted into the army during World War II at the age of 21,  and drove amphibious tractors, bringing soldiers from sea to land. He served his country with great pride for 4.5 years and was honorably discharged from duty.   
   William’s love for his country is something that lived with him and was passed on to his family.  After the service, William attended barber school in Minneapolis, MN where he fulfilled his passion to become a barber. He then barbered in Aberdeen, SD where he met his wife of 58 years.
   They were married in August of 1955, and moved to Herreid, SD, where their children Shirley Dejong (57), and Alan Dykema (53) were born. The family moved to Sioux Center Iowa where they lived prior to their move to Manteca, Ca in 1978.
    William opened Dykema Barber Shop in 1980 where he served the community faithfully. William and his wife Helen were also faithful members of their church, Almond Valley Christian Reformed for the last 35 years.
  William was proceeded in death by both parents, and his brothers Alfred and Ed.
   William is survived by his wife Helen, his children Shirley and Alan, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, and his brother Ernest.
    Funeral Services will be held at Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church, 333 S. Wilma Ave Ripon, CA 95366 on Monday,  January 06, 2014 at 10:30 am. Viewing will start at 10:00 a.m. The burial will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Rd, Gustine, CA 95322 at 2:00pm.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, January 4, 2014