Daniel Robert Dykstra, 75, of Parkville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2021, surrounded by his wife Clarine, and three children Bobby, Matt and Julie. Dan was a husband, father, brother, and treasured friend to all who knew him.

Dan was born in Kirkwood, Missouri, on December 23, 1945, and graduated from Kirkwood High School where he got his start running cross country and won the state championship in the half-mile his senior year. Dan went on to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia where he received his bachelor's degree in accounting while leading the Mizzou track team as a co-captain and long-distance runner. Dan's athleticism was always astounding to his children who somehow didn't inherit those genes.

After graduating from Mizzou, Dan attended law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) in 1972. In August 1973, the Dykstra and Grill Law Firm was established where Dan practiced law with his two best friends, Brad Grill and Ken Hassler, until his retirement in 2014. Dan was a member of the Missouri and Platte County Bar Associations. Countless friends recall Dan assisting them with their Parkville speeding tickets throughout the years.

Dan and his family are strong in their faith and have been parishioners at St. Therese in Parkville for over 40 years. Dan was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7199 and was a Charter Member and Past-President of the Platte Woods Lions Club.

Genuine, good natured, humble, charismatic, and honest are some of the words that family and friends use to describe Dan. His way of living was admirable - he slowed down and took the time to get to know everyone he met. His laugh was infectious. He enjoyed fishing and golfing and spent most weekends attending his grandchildren's events - except for Master's weekend where he could be found on his recliner. Dan was a true family man who was happiest when everyone was together in one place laughing, eating Smokehouse BBQ and white cake with white icing, and enjoying a few Miller Lite's or Boulevard Unfiltered Wheats. Dan loved his wife dearly and they spent 45 wonderful years together.

Dan will be deeply missed. Those who love him will carry on his legacy by slowing down, putting faith and family first, playing the extra round of golf, and rooting for the Mizzou Tigers.

Dan's family will hold a Visitation at St. Therese Catholic Church in Parkville, MO on Tuesday April 13, 2021 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Zoe Dykstra, and brother Tom Dykstra. He is survived by his wife Clarine Dykstra, son Bobby Dykstra (wife Leslie, sons Luke and Dane), son Matt Dykstra (wife Lauren, sons James and John, daughter Olivia), daughter Julie Watkins (husband Dan, daughter Claire) and brother Pete Dykstra.

Flowers may be sent to St. Therese Church, 7207 NW Hwy 9, Parkville, MO 64152. Donations in Dan's name can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by visiting https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign-manager/edit/MatthewDykstra/in-honor-of-dan-dykstra/campaign (GoFundMe or Facebook sign-in required)

Donations can also be made to the John Thomas Foundation by visiting www.johnthomasnkh.com or sending a check to the John Thomas NKH Foundation, 16858 Hickory Trails Lane, Ballwin, MO 63011.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com