09/08/2022
Karon’s service will be LIVESTREAM on her tribute wall at the time of the service. For those unable to view live, the Memorial service will appear later for viewing.
Memorials may be given to Pella Community Bible Study or Liberty Evangelical Free Church.
Karon Rae Bousquet (Durham) Dykstra was born May 16, 1943, at Collins Hospital in Knoxville, Iowa, to her parents, Kenneth Lloyd Durham and Geraldine Bousquet Durham.
Karon attended Knoxville schools for the majority of her childhood until her family moved to Ames during her high school years. When her family later moved to Glendale, California, Karon completed her senior year of high school at Glendale High. However, she forever considered herself part of the Knoxville Class of ’61.
Karon married Ted Lee Dykstra in 1962, and they had four children: Ted Lee Dykstra II, Tammy Lorraine Laird, Todd Bryan Dykstra, and Dr. Timothy Clark Dykstra.
Karon was full of life and passionate about God and people, especially her family. She loved children and valued education.
Karon was a loving and devoted mom and stayed home to raise her children, and she grew to love being a farm wife. She found joy in giving back to the people in her community, especially the children. She directed the Knoxville Methodist Church Cherub Choir, mentored a child in the Kinship Program, and served as the Children’s Director for Pella Community Bible Study.
She was a Cub Scout Leader and a “Picture Lady” for Knoxville Schools. Karon had a deep love for music, singing in the Methodist Church choir for 30 years as well as singing with the women’s group, The Inspirations. Karon found great satisfaction in serving others, and her life reflected her heart of love and service.
In 1985, she was nominated for the Knoxville Community Service Award, and she faithfully served on each committee at the Methodist Church. For 67 years, Karon was a member of PEO, a philanthropic educational organization, of which her great-grandmother, Hattie Briggs Bousquet, was a founder. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Methodist Mothers Club.
As the children got older, Karon began working for the Knoxville Schools and served in multiple roles including Librarian and Title One Special Education Reading Instructor. She also loved the time she spent working with her sons as a Receptionist at Dykstra Medical Clinic in Fort Madison, Iowa. Karon adored her family and was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest supporter, attending every event possible.
Karon passed away on September 8, 2022, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 79 years. She was surrounded by her four children when she entered into eternity with her Savior.
Those left to cherish Karon’s life are her four children: Ted (Shannon) Dykstra of Wichita, KS, Tammy (Scott) Laird of Ottawa, KS, Todd (Melanie) Dykstra of New Bern, NC, and Tim (Christy) Dykstra of Pella, IA; sisters Kae Lynn Caston and Kathy Lee Cobb; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; her Liberty E-Free church family; and many dear friends.