Frank H. Dyke

Frank H. Dyke was known for his quick wit, dry humor, kindest of hearts and for telling the best stories. He joined his dear wife and children in heaven on February 3, 2025, after a long full life. He spent his last years, months and days, in his family home in Rockford, Illinois, surrounded with the reminders of his cherished family. He enjoyed constant contact with earthly family members, church family, care givers, neighbors and friends who -- although not necessarily here in person to hold his hand - were constant and vigilant visitors and a joy to Frank until the end.

Frank Herbert Dyke was born to James and Martha (Westwick) Dyke, in Lansing, Michigan on June 13, 1929. He married Betty Jean Harmon on February 21, 1953, and the couple had two children: Frank Harmon Dyke (7/30/1954) and Mary Beth Dyke (9/21/1957). His son, Frank, gave him two grandchildren -- Frank Lewis Dyke (Elaine) and Andrew Pierce Dyke (Jenni) -- and Andrew gave him two great-grand-daughters, Lexi and Elizabeth. His daughter Mary Beth was born with severe physical handicaps. Her needs gave him a lifelong window into a world different, and he jumped through that window with both feet, along with Betty Jean, to provide Mary Beth and the rest of his family with the opportunities, security and love he believed they needed and deserved.  Family was the most important and valued thing in his life. His birth family, his own family, his wife’s family and children’s families, were always and ever his chief love and concern.

Frank did his military duty and was honorably discharged from the Army during the 1950’s. He had already completed his education at Michigan State University in engineering and went on to have a long career with Westinghouse, which allowed him to provide for his family and provide security for his daughter, who would always need help and care. He and Betty Jean were social, musical, intelligent people, always involved in a church family and close knit with their greater families, and many, many long-time friends. Their relationship with Christ United Methodist Church, in Rockford, IL, is known to many, as their most recent church family, where they dedicated hours and much more to providing fellowship and meals for others to enjoy.

Frank is survived by his sister, Sandy and her husband Denny, his grandsons, Frank and Andrew and their wives; as well as his great-grandchildren, Lexi and Elizabeth. He is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews, by his sister-in-law, Mabell and her husband, Edward (Buzz) Price, and many of Betty’s nieces, nephews and cousins all of whom remained a part of his family until the end.  Frank was predeceased not only by his loving wife, Betty Jean; his son, Frank; and recently, his daughter, Mary Beth; but also his parents and grandparents; and Betty Jean’s parents and grandparents; and his older brother, William “Bill” Dyke and his wife, Janice who both recently passed away after long loving lives.

Living to the wonderful old age of 95 meant that Frank out-lived many of the precious people in his life. It gave him comfort to know that he would be joining his wife and children, and, in fact, spoke to Mary Beth on her death, asking her to make a path for him to join the rest of them soon. Despite having so much challenge and loss in his life, Frank continued to enjoy life every day, sharing his wit and humor with visitors and care providers and thereby enriching their lives.

Frank continued to attend church as he was able until very recently, attending virtually when unable to attend in person and made the determined effort to do his civic duty and voted in the November 2024 elections. Until the end he maintained his faith in God, and continued giving and sharing experiences, knowledge, and his joy of life.  It is anticipated that Frank and Mary Beth will be laid to rest with Betty Jean and his son, Frank, in Boyne City, Michigan sometime in the summer of 2025.

Service will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL 61107.

Here's the link for Thursday morning's service for Frank:

https://vimeo.com/event/4897864

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