Alvin A. Dykstra, 84, died Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Riverview Manor in Flandreau. He was born October 1, 1927 at Springfield, SD to Hilbrand and Grace (Bartholomew) Dykstra. He graduated from Valley Springs High School in 1945. Alvin was drafted into the United States Army on January 3, 1946 and was discharged August 21, 1947. He worked for David Jacobsen as a hired man and was married to Beverly Hicks on November 28, 1953 in Sioux Falls. Alvin continued working as a hired man for various farmers until around 1956 when he started farming on his own near Rowena, SD. They moved to a farm near Ward, SD in 1969 and farmed until retiring in 1999. They moved into Flandreau in 2002. Alvin enjoyed gardening, visiting family and grandkids, playing Farkle and Aggravation with relatives.

Alvin is survived by his wife Beverly, Flandreau; six children, Allen Dykstra, Ford, KS, Mary Clark, Flandreau, Ronald Dykstra, Newcastle, WY, Kathy Dykstra (Tom Huston) Sturgis, Brian (Lana)Dykstra, Brookings, Stephanie (Scott) Smith, Ellsworth, MN; eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; sister, Erma Knutson, Flandreau and brother, James (Mae) Dykstra, Lebanon, MO. He was preceded in death his parents and brother, Louis Dykstra.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am Thursday, June 21, 2012 at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau, with burial at 2:00 pm Thursday at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls. Visitation is from 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 pm scripture service.