Our Staff

Abraham Lincoln said, “I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.” As a fourth-generation funeral director, Craig learned from an early age to work hard and to take care of the families you serve. His father, Victor Kleinheksel, worked into his 80’s and his grandfather, Julius, came in to work every day well into his 90’s. This philosophy has served them well for over 119 years in the funeral business.

Holland Public Schools, Ferris State University and Wayne State University prepared Craig well for the challenge of funeral service. Along with his wife Dar, they have continued the tradition of a family served funeral home. They have 3 children, Cari (Brendan), Katie (Bobby), and Cort (Maggie) along with eight grandchildren, Jack, Annie, Lucy, Hattie, Tripp, Pete, PJ, and Johnny.

Craig is a life member (and third generation) of First Reformed Church where he has served as both Deacon and Elder. He has served on various committees, volunteered for Kid’s Hope, as well as past president of the Michigan Funeral Directors District #4. Music is also a big part of Craig’s life, playing percussion in various music organizations in the Holland and Grand Rapids area. First and foremost in Craig’s life is faith, family and friends.

Even though Dar retired in 2020, she is still active in the funeral home. She was instrumental in setting up office management back in the early 90’s.

Dar and Craig are committed to serving the community with the same family values, care and compassion as John Dykstra, Julius Kleinheksel and Victor Kleinheksel have done over the last 125 years! Because of her love of history, she has always loved the fact that the funeral home is in the downtown area in the original location. Many cosmetic changes have taken place, but the heart of the business will always remain. She loves to see the city thriving and all the activities going on. Holland is an amazing place to live, work and play!

Dar and Craig have 3 children, Cari and Brendon Lyons, Katie and Bobby Wells and Cort and Maggie Kleinheksel. They now have eight grandchildren, Jack, Annie, Lucy, Hattie, Tripp, Pete, Parker and Johnny.

Dar is enjoying her days by doing the things she loves. She loves her garden (when the weather isn’t too hot), knitting, antiquing, sewing and spending time at the family cottage. She is a member of the New Apostolic Church, was a member of the choir and a Sunday School teacher. She is also a part of a stitching group that has been together for 35 years.

Cort Kleinheksel is no stranger to the funeral business. Growing up, he watched his great grandfather Julius, his grandfather, Victor and his father, Craig, meet with families and hold themselves to high standards. He also knew as family, you pitched in as needed whether it was washing cars or doing yard work! Cort watched his peers and learned early on the importance of connecting with families.

Cort is a 2004 graduate of Holland High School. After graduating from the Haworth School of Business at Western Michigan University, he moved to Nashville, TN where he and his wife Maggie ran Tweed Baby Outfitters. In 2015, he returned to his hometown to work alongside his family at Dykstra. He and his wife Maggie have four children, Annie, Hattie, Pete, and Johnny.

Cort and Maggie love west Michigan and are proud to call Holland their home. Corts love of golf and water fit perfectly here. They attend Pillar Church where he occasionally plays guitar. But most importantly, his love of family, being part of the community and pride of continuing the legacy of a family business that started over 100 years ago.

Dan grew up in Zeeland and is the son of Norm and Bonnie Vredeveld. Dan knew in 9th grade that he wanted to be a funeral director. Dan graduated from Zeeland High School in 1981, Grand Rapids Junior College in 1983, and Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science in 1984. He served his apprenticeship in Detroit and Grand Rapids. Dan joined the staff at Dykstra Funeral Home, September 1, 1985 and in 2025 Dan will have served 40 years at Dykstra. Dan has two children, a son Kuri, who works as a Plant Finance Analyst at Utz Quality Foods in Grand Rapids. Kuri’s wife, Abby, is a receptionist and the JV girls basketball coach at Grand Rapids Christian High School. His daughter, Kaci, is the Patient Care Coordinator at Full Potential Physical Therapy in Holland. Her fiancé, Zach De Graaf, is a 3rd grade teacher at West Ward Elementary School in Allegan. The two plan to get married April 5th of 2025. Dan enjoys fishing, golf, hiking, sports (basketball, hockey football, racing), theater, and walking. Dan is member of Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland and a former member of Trinity Reformed Church in Holland. Church, community, family, and organization, Dan takes great pride in each. When it comes to funeral service, though, he's all about helping and serving families.

Dave grew up in Jenison, Mi and graduated from Unity Christian High School in 1977. Dave met his wife Sue, and in 1980 they married and moved to Holland where she had grown up. Dave has a love of serving others and was drawn to the funeral business. He graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2005 and began serving the community as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. In 2010, Dave joined the family at Dykstra Funeral Home. Dave and Sue have 3 children; daughters Nicole (Will) Lamain, Lizzy (Aaron) Andrews and son, Josh (Jaimi) Vander Heide. They have 9 grandchildren; Kaylee, Farrah, Emersyn, Olivia, Scarlett, Charli, Chloe, Tessa and Jack. Dave and Sue are members of Family Church in Zeeland.

Orlando was born and raised in Holland, Michigan. He’s proud to continue living and serving in this community as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He is a graduate of the renowned Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. One can describe him as being a compassionate, respectful individual who truly cares about people and their families. He is committed to upholding the Dykstra traditions of providing professional service and distinctive care. Orlando met his wife Danae in 2004 and they have been married since 2009. They live in the Maplewood neighborhood in Holland along with their sweet daughter, Brinley, as well as, a German Shepherd "Olive" and their cat, "Cheetos". Free time will find Orlando and the family doing countless activities outdoors. The Penas' are active members of the Christian Reformed Church in Holland. Orlando will be in his tenth year serving the West Michigan Lakeshore with Dykstra Funeral Home. He currently serves as the Manager for the Saugatuck Chapel.

Ken Beukelman is the business manager at Dykstra’s. Born in Holland, the Beukelmans left town after his dad graduated from Western Seminary. Ken grew up in Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, where Ken graduated from high school. Ken attended Dordt College where he met Laurel Ver Hage. Laurel stole his heart and after graduation they returned to Holland and married. Laurel had a State Farm agency on Holland’s north side from which she retired several years ago. They have been blessed with two daughters. Merideth lives in Holland with her husband Andrew and teaches middle school science at Holland Christian. Lydia recently moved to Boston after spending time teaching in South Korea and Japan. Ken and Laurel are long-time members at Pillar Church, where they have both been blessed and had opportunities to serve. Ken has been involved in the community in various ways over the years. He loves Holland and is proud to call it home.

Joseph was born in Orlando, Florida, to a New Yorker father and a British mother. He holds dual citizenship to the United States and the United Kingdom and was raised in England until 12 years of age, up until his family moved back to the U.S., where he spent his teenage years in southern Utah before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry rifleman. After his enlistment, he continued to spend time with his family and work with troubled youth. He then chose to move out to Michigan to enjoy some greener grass and immerse himself in the bountiful forests it possesses. Once in Michigan, he found passion in the death industry through cemetery work before feeling the desire to serve families more intimately, which led him to begin working with Dykstra Funeral Home in early 2024.

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Alexis was born and raised in Burton, MI until relocating to Holland in 2009. She then joined the Dykstra Family in 2016 and began working at our Mulder Chapel, before stepping into her current role as Office Manager at our Downtown location.

Alexis is a member of Cornerstone Tabernacle, where she serves as Music Director and in many other areas of ministry. Her love for ministry and people has played an integral part in her serving the Holland and surrounding areas in the funeral industry. She cares deeply about those in need and hopes to consistently find ways to support and uplift the hurting in her community.

Outside of work, Alexis has a love for the outdoors, whether it be working in her yard or riding bike and going on walks. She is also a dedicated DIY enthusiast, so feel free to say ‘hello’ if you run into her at Menard’s or a local hardware store.

Angie was born, raised and has lived in Holland her entire life. Growing up on the north side of Holland near Tunnel Park nurtured a love of the outdoors. You can find her at the beach swimming, riding her bike, or walking the trails in the warmer months. She loves reading, baking and spending time with her daughter Mackenzie most of all. She joined the family at Dykstra Funeral Home in September 2020 as a secretary of the Mulder Chapel and is honored to now assist with visitations and funerals.

Tom Meiste has been assisting on weekends since January 2008. Tom works full time in the Assessing Office for Holland Charter Township. Tom and his wife, Barb, are life long Holland residents and attend Ridge Point Community Church. Their 3 grown sons live in the Holland area. Tom enjoys road biking in the West Michigan area, but if the situation presents itself, he might ride with a group in northern Michigan - - even to the Mackinaw Bridge a few times.

Sue lives on the Southside of Holland. Sue has two daughters, Aimee (Dan)Zoulek, they live in Dalton with three children, Zane, Wyatt and Raven, the oldest granddaughter Catie lives in Ferrisburg and Heidi(Jerry) Hoogeveen lives on Southside of Holland with their pug Otis. Sue attends Central Wesleyan Church where she served in Kids Hope, Usher & Greeter, Celebrate Recovery childcare. Sue loves to play cards on Sunday night with her hiking group. Sue helps out with visitations and funerals and can be found three days a week at the Northwood Chapel in the office. Losing a son at birth and a parent in her teen years and recently her husband in 2023 had help Sue understand the loss and grieving families go thru. Sue takes time to listen to stories families share and hope she can give them some comfort while they are going thru difficult journey.

Jim was born and raised in Holland MI. and attended Holland Christian Schools. At age 16 his family moved to Florida where he graduated from Manatee High School in Bradenton, Florida in 1975. He and his wife Elaine were married in 1981, live in the core city of Holland and are happy to be part to such a great community. They attend 14th Street Christian Reformed Church.

They have three “all grown up” sons, Matthew, Tom and Ben and have been blessed with seven grandsons. Jim enjoys traveling with Elaine, bicycling, gardening and yard work. He was employed by Haworth for over 30 years and came to Dykstra Funeral Home part time in October 2017. Jim is thankful for the opportunity to work for Dykstra’s and plays a part in helping others during a difficult time.

Mike grew up on the East side of the state, but now lives in Holland, MI with his wife of 50 years and attends Central Wesleyan Church. He has three children and 11 grandchildren and has the privilege of serving in various jobs at his church, as well as doing as much as he can with his grandkids!

Mike worked as a firefighter/paramedic in Illinois (Elgin FD) and then here as a paramedic in the Grand Rapids/Holland (Mercy Amb./AMR Amb.) for 29+ years.

It’s from this experience that Mike is an asset to Dykstra; in assisting families in a time of stress and sorrow in the loss of a loved one. He assists with visitations and funerals, and any other needs that arise for Dykstra. He looks forward to serving his community as a caring and compassionate person at any of the funeral he assists at.

Hector Mireles has been a wonderful addition to Dykstra Funeral Home! Although we crossed paths in a time of tragedy in his life, Hector knew from then, that he wanted to serve and bring comfort to others, working as a Funeral Assistant and Groundskeeper at DFH! As lifelong residents of the West side, he and his High School sweetheart Patty celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2024. They are the proud parents of five daughters who also live in the Holland Area. After a successful career and retirement from Herman Miller, Hector now shares his expertise as an instructor at Century Driving School. He is an active member of Cornerstone Tabernacle, serving in multiple capacities. You could probably call Hector a Jack of all Trades. We are thankful to have someone with his skill set working with the families of Holland.

Dan Ritsema has been with Dykstra Funeral Home for the last 8 years helping with visitations and funerals. Dan was born and raised in Momence, IL. He graduated from Hope College and got his Master Degree in music from the University of Michigan. He retired from Zeeland Public School after 30 years of teaching. Dan and his wife Vonnie live on the north side of Holland. They have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. Dan was also the Director of Music at Beechwood Church and was a realtor in the Holland area for 19 years. He and Vonnie attend Central Wesleyan Church where Dan plays in the orchestra and also the Big Band of Praise.

Paula Fabiano is our hairstylist, having been licensed since 1983. She enjoys working with “this amazing team here at Dykstra Funeral Homes”. Paula has been with Dykstra’s for almost 30 years, helping to comfort families through their journey of loss. Paula and her husband Dale Brown live in Holland. Both Paula and Dale were born and raised in this amazing city. She understands what it’s like to be part of a family business, as her family is now in its 5th generation in downtown Holland. This makes Paula feel right at home within her Dykstra family.

Edwin Charles Redder, II (Eddie), 74, of Holland, MI, passed away on May 11, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Eddie was born in Holland, MI, to Edwin and Janet Redder on March 9, 1950. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Print Making from Hope College and worked as a Graphic Designer for Herman Miller, Mendenhall Jones & Leistra Advertising, Dawson & Company, R. Merrifield, and Jager & Associates. He concluded his career with Herman Miller, retiring with 20 years of service. In retirement, he worked as a Visitation and Funeral Assistant for Dykstra Funeral Homes. Eddie enjoyed art, music, and traveling with his family. His family was his greatest pride and joy, and he embraced every new addition wholeheartedly. He was also an avid University of Michigan football fan, faithfully following their National Championship run. He was an active member of the Holland congregation of the New Apostolic Church.

Eddie is survived by his wife Jill; children Becky (Ryan) Boersema of Holland and Nathan (Chloe) of Seattle, WA; sister Lynda of Holland; and grandson Owen. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Janet.

A funeral service was held at First Reformed Church on Saturday, May 18, at 2 PM with Evangelist Scott Heidema officiating. Visitation will be held at Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel on Friday, May 17, from 4-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CorewellHealth – Music Therapy Program or Corewell Hospice.

View Ed’s memorial page here: https://dykstrafuneralhome.com/obituaries/edwin-c-redder-ii.146479