Obituary of Adrian Henry Dykema

Adrian Henry Dykema

August 2, 1922 – December 17, 2023

 

Long-time resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, Adrian Henry Dykema, passed away on December 17, 2023, at the age of 101.  Adrian was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, to Wilhelmina VanderMolen Dykema and John Nicholas Dykema.  As the second of five children, Adrian attended Michigan Technological University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  He then enlisted in the Navy, earning the rank of First Lieutenant while serving in the Pacific theater during World War II.  After the war, Adrian moved to Charlotte to establish a new Clark Floor Machine Company branch.  Later, he took the position of Inventory Control Manager for the Perfecting Division of Duff-Norton, a job he held until his retirement in 1987.

 

At 6 foot 4 inches and with a deep voice, Adrian presented an imposing figure.  Still, all who were fortunate enough to know him learned of his humble spirit filled with integrity, heroic strength, incredible optimism, and unfailing faith.  A 65-year Myers Park Presbyterian Church member, Adrian remained an active figure in the church, attending his favorite Sunday School class by Zoom even when physical attendance became too difficult.  He met with friends for lunch and drove, maintaining his driver’s license until his 101st birthday.  An avid reader, Adrian also supported his loving wife in her many hobbies while maintaining a strong relationship with his three grandsons, to whom he imparted a unique perspective as they witnessed a hero firsthand.  Adrian’s continuing support of his daughter and son-in-law as an unwavering champion for their ambitions helped him live up to their given name for him: “Daddy.”

 

Adrian is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Millwee Dykema, his daughter, Susan Dykema Young, and son-in-law, Scott Andrew Young.  His surviving grandchildren are Jonathan Young, Graham Young, and Christopher Young.

 

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 21st, 2023.

 

Online condolences can be made at HankinsandWhittington.com.

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