Obituary of Donald Van Dyk

   Donald Van Dyk, 92, of Denville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 29th, 2023. He was born to parents Jacob and Magdalena (Toren) Van Dyk on June 15th, 1931 in Pendroy, Montana. He and his three brothers grew up working hard on the family farm in both Montana and New Jersey. He graduated from Blairstown High School in 1949. In 1951 he enlisted in the United States Navy in support of his country. He would drive home faithfully from Maine to New Jersey, every opportunity he had to visit the love of his life, Ann, whom he eventually married on July 12th, 1953. While he was in the service they were blessed with their first child, and over the years welcomed three more children into the family. Donald worked as a manager at Marotta Scientific Controls and after 43 years of service, retired in 1999. He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, and watching old Westerns. Throughout his life he had many hobbies which included hunting, fishing, cycling, bowling, and billiards, but his greatest passion of all was golfing. In his lifetime he was fortunate to have achieved a hole-in-one and continued enjoying the sport until the age of 90. Anyone who knew Donald knew he had a unique sense of humor with no filter. He entertained all those around him. He was a kind and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be sorely missed and forever treasured.

   Donald leaves only joyful memories to his loving son, Warren (Ellen) of Lake Hopatcong, NJ, caring son-in-laws, Peter Lemoine of Belvedire, NJ, Scott Kafka of Neschanic Station, NJ, cherished grandchildren, Eric (Trish) Lemoine, Christopher Lemoine, Michelle (Bryan) Sobieski, Jennifer Kafka Lei (Arnold), Kimberly Kafka (Tyler Anderson), Heather Van Dyk, Zach Van Dyk, precious great-grandchild Archibald (Archie) Lei, and many extended family, friends and neighbors. Although his passing brings us sorrow, we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved wife Ann Marie (Best), children Holly (Lemoine), Ellen Van Dyk, Phillip Van Dyk, his parents Jacob and Magdalena Van Dyk, brothers Robert, Orland, and Arnie Van Dyk.

   If you would like to make a contribution in Donald's memory, please consider making a memorial donation to Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center via inmemof.org. An interment service will be held at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery.