Paul Dykema

Paul Dykema, 51, of Manhattan, Illinois joined his Lord and Savior on April 10th, 2021. He was born in Harvey, Illinois, and the son of the late Judy and Harold Dykema. Paul was the loving father to and survived by his 3 children who were the true joy of his life, Gabrielle Miller and husband Jordan, Nicholas Dykema and fiancée Hannah, and Adam Dykema. He is also survived by his brother Richard Dykema and wife Sharon, sister-in-law Donna Svencner, and their families. He is preceded in death by his brother Michael Dykema.

Paul grew up in Lansing, Illinois where he attended TF South High School. After graduating, he began working for Ward and Associates, where he stayed for 10 years. He then started his first business, Woodland Builders, and so began his love for home building. He worked in custom home building for the next 15 years, in Northwest Indiana and in the greater Charlotte, North Carolina area.

His love of the water ran deep and he could always be found on the lake or near the ocean. His greatest joy was living on Lake Norman and taking his kids tubing or going for sunset cruises- a memory he often shared. He was an avid outdoor enthusiast and loved catching and cooking fresh lake perch or walleye. He strived to have a garden yearly and regularly grew vegetables he wouldn’t eat just so he could give them to his friends and family. He had skills unmatched when it came to woodworking and he often found that he could build or design something better than what he could purchase. He often started new projects and loved spending time in his woodshop with his tools. Later in life, he became a big fan of cooking, and true to his personality never followed a recipe. Many times saying “I just added everything but the kitchen sink.” Most famous from his kitchen were his cinnamon waffles which he cooked every Sunday morning for his kids growing up. He loved sports, especially the Clemson Tigers, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and PGA golf. He frequented “Death Valley” and was always around for a good earful of “smack talk” when the Tigers won (or ignored everyone’s calls when they lost). He was always the life of the party and never shied away from a good time.

He is also survived by caring family, friends, and colleagues. Sleep in peace. Until we meet again, know that we always have and always will love you.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 18th, at 3 PM at 113 Farm Knoll Way Mooresville, NC 28117 with his closest friends and family. 
 

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