Dick VanDyke, age 86 of Fremont, passed away Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at the Transitional Health Services in Fremont. Dick was born on April 19, 1920, one of three children born to George and Minnie (Deur) VanDyke. He grew up in Newaygo County, attending the local schools and later served in the Pacific theatre during World War II. In 1956, Dick opened VanDykes Engine Rebuilding in Fremont where he worked until his retirement. He married Frances Crandall Nyman on December 27, 1969 and was a member of the Fremont Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Frances VanDyke; his nieces, Marilyn Ream; Phyllis Schaaf and Louise Kerkstra; nephews, Joe Buitendorp, Allen Buitendorp, Erwin Buitendorp; Fred VanDyke; and Glen VanDyke; his stepchildren, Janice Nyman; Susan Slavin, Holly Robinson; Jerald Nyman; Terry Nyman; Tom Nyman; Bryan Nyman; and Tim Nyman. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Augusta Buitendorp; brother, Simon VanDyke.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at the Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel with Rev. David Dickinson of the Fremont Christian Church presiding with interment in the Clark Cemetery. Friends may consider the Transitional Health Services Patient Fund for memorial contributions in memory of Dick. Friends may also send a condolence or share a memory with the family at www.crandellfh.com