William S. Van Dyke, age 54, of Spring Lake, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 10, 2022.
Bill lived most of his life in the greater Holland area and attended Holland Christian schools. He was a lifelong mechanic and was most recently employed at Floor Gear in Holland.
From his youth, Bill was a tinkerer, a magician with his hands. He would love to take apart machines to figure out how they worked and put them back together, always looking for improvements in design. He had a never-ending stream of ideas to help improve the world which would come to life in intricate detail.
Bill will be remembered as a man who would help anyone who asked and never met a stranger. He loved the water life, chasing sunsets on his beloved Scappare with his many marina friends, and spending time with his love, his children, and his grandson. In his trademark Hawaiian shirts, ocean blue eyes, deep tan, and even deeper dimpled smile, he was always happy to captain a party and entertain his friends. His amazing boat maneuvers earned him the “Butter Bill” moniker. When Michigan weather grew colder, his thoughts always turned to sunshine and warmth, and he spent as much time as possible in the southern climates. His friends will testify to his obsessions with golf, hot tubs, roller coasters, and, of course, “Free Bird”. Above all, Bill had a passion for making the universe a better place. And we all are better for it.
Bill had a huge and troubled heart. He is gone too soon. His dark days are forever behind him; he is now forever in the warmth and light. Wearing the loudest shirt imaginable.
Survivors include his fiancé Karen Kayes (her children, Ashleigh and Lucas Underwood), his children Jamie (Adam) Khodl and Austin Van Dyke, grandson Wyatt Khodl, his parents Wayne and Sharon Van Dyke, siblings Susan Lookingbill, Brian (Darcy) Van Dyke, Michelle (Todd) Bruinsma, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 5:00-6:00 pm Friday, January 14 at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 E 8th St., Holland. A memorial service with Rev. Ralph Beidler and Rev. George DeJong officiating will follow at 6:30 pm, also at the church. Donations may be made to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.
