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Barbara M. Van Dyken, age 74, was called home to the arms of her Savior on Monday, May 30, 2022 at Willow Brooke Point Senior Living in Stevens Point, WI.
Services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 5 at Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Bob Ross will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until the time of services on Sunday at the church.
Barb was born February 20, 1948 in Grand Forks, ND, the daughter of Urban and Marie (Doman) Zimmer. She grew up in York, ND, graduating from Leeds High School as valedictorian. She furthered her education attending the University of North Dakota, graduating with a bachelors degree in nursing. She married Dr. Robert Van Dyken on November 26, 1971 in Alto Loma, CA.
Barb worked a few years as a registered nurse in obstetrics before making the decision to be a full-time homemaker and stay-at-home mom; being able to raise her four children was the greatest joy of her life. Since moving to the Wisconsin Rapids in 1977, she was actively involved with volunteering in the area community. Barb was particularly proud of working with Tootie Alft to develop a program for pregnant and parenting teens at the local high school and she volunteered with that program for over 30 years. Before fully retiring from volunteer work, she also used her gift of teaching to tutor students in math at Washington Elementary School.
Having most recently been an active member of Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids, Barb saw the importance of teaching God’s Word and sharing the Gospel. Over the years, she led several bible studies for women and youth. She was an avid reader, and was integral in expanding the church library through the donation of her many books. She also tremendously enjoyed crafting—particularly quilting, cross stitching, and crocheting. Over the last few years, Barb crocheted over 1000 pairs of mittens that she donated to school aged children both locally and in Alaska; she also made several quilts that were used to raise funds to support missions and the Great Commission.
Barb was a woman of amazing faith, who knew what it meant to love and serve “the least of these.” She often was the first to seek out those in need; she never judged—just simply loved unconditionally. She championed the underdog. Barb greatly valued life at all stages—from conception through life’s last breath. We know without a doubt that she heard the Lord say to her “well done, good and faithful servant” as she entered into His presence.
Barb is survived by her four children: Lisa Van Dyken, Waukesha, WI, Eric (Kim) Van Dyken, Shakopee, MN, Bret (Katie) Van Dyken, Plover, WI, and Lori Van Dyken, Wisconsin Rapids, WI; four grandchildren: E.J., Kayla, Skylar, and Harper; her mother, Marie Zimmer; sister Mary (William) Johnson, Hawley, MN; and several nieces and nephews. She was greeted in Heaven by her father Urban; husband Bob; half-brother Maurice; and her grandson Caleb.
The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Brooke Point Senior Living and Heartland Hospice for the love and grace they showed her and the exceptional care she received over these last two and a half months.
Memorials may be designated to First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, is honored to be assisting the family.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara M. Van Dyken, please visit our Tree Store. (https://www.taylorfuneralhome.net/obituary/Barbara-VanDyken/1074749/memorial-tree)
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