Ronald Jay Dykgraaf

Ronald "Ron" Jay Dykgraaf, 80, of Cadillac, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 13th, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Ron will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family and faith. Born on January 16, 1945, in Marion, MI, Ron was the son of Martin and Hattie Dykgraaf. He grew up surrounded by a large, close-knit family and carried the values of hard work and dedication throughout his life. On May 28, 1965, Ron married the love of his life, Carol Iler, beginning a partnership built on faith, love, and mutual respect that would span more than sixty years. Together, they built the life that they dreamed of. Ron worked at Malleable Iron in Cadillac, MI for a few years and then started to train as a carpenter with Reinink Homes before opening his own business, Dykgraaf Builders, where he fostered his passion for building and remodeling homes. There are many area houses Ron had either built from the ground up or done work on to update them, all serving as testaments of his skill. He also shared that wisdom while his children, both Glenn and Renee, and grandson Jacob as they, at different times, worked alongside him and learned so much with his instruction. Ron was a faithful member of Lucas Rehoboth Reformed Church and served in many different roles there including Elder, Deacon, and on numerous building committees. Ron and Carol enjoyed serving others by joining groups serving on mission teams and went to locations such as Italy and New York serving others. Ron loved traveling with Carol and they ventured far and wide from Hawaii to Alaska, adventures driving out west, winters in Florida, along with bus tours and scenic drives in between everything else! Time spent with family, whether around a campfire making smores or the extended dinner table enjoying desserts, were some of Ron’s favorite moments. Ron is survived by his loving wife, Carol Dykgraaf, children: Glenn (Denise) Dykgraaf of South Boardman and Renee (Brian) Mayle of Cadillac, grandchildren: Jacob Mayle, Sarah (Connor) Bode, Zoey (Ryan) Ankney, Daniel, Garret, and Kristen Dykgraaf, great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Kade, Ryker, and Avery Ankney. Family members that have passed and are fondly remembered include Ron’s parents, Martin (Bub) and Hattie Dykgraaf, in-laws Kenneth and Alice Iler, brothers Gary, Vern, and Don Dykgraaf, brothers-in-law Edward Birdsley, Larry Butler, and Alan Iler. His memory will fondly live on with family: Carl (Sue) Dykgraaf, Marilyn Birdsley, Susie Dykgraaf, Dale (Cindy) Dykgraaf, Dennis (Diane) Iler, Ken (Janna) Iler, Vickie Butler, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. Please join us in remembering and celebrating Ron’s life at Lucas Rehoboth Reformed Church on Saturday, January 17th. Visitation will be from 11:00 to 1:00 with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Matthew 25:23 “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinson.org. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Ronald Jay Dykgraaf

January 16, 1945 - January 13, 2026