Gertrude Dykhouse, age 92, of Volga, SD, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her family. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Volga Christian Reformed Church. Interment will follow at Trinity Cemetery in Volga. A Visitation will be held the night prior from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Volga, SD.

Gertrude (Van Beek) Dykhouse was born March 17, 1933 in a little house north of Estelline, SD to William and Hattie (Hoogeboom) Van Beek. Her family relocated to Volga when she was 6 years old.  She attended country schools through the 8th grade, and from there she grew her "life" education with her passion to learn and grow.

Throughout her life she often worked multiple jobs at once. She worked her way through the Volga Hospital, first in the kitchen, then into laundry service, from there into patient care, the maternity ward, and the surgical operating room. She cleaned the Volga Christian School which allowed her children to attend and receive a faith-driven education. Her most enjoyable job was working in the kitchen at Sioux Valley Schools.

Gert met her husband, John, in 1957, and they were married later that year on October 2. They made their home in Volga, where they grew their family with 6 children (3 boys and 3 girls). She was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Gert was a dedicated farm helper, gifted seamstress, "family hairstylist," cook/baker, caregiver, and master gardener, from growing vegetables to her beautiful flower beds. She took pride in everything she did and poured love into all her work.

Gert shared her faith, being a strong, positive influence of Christ's love to all who knew her. She had a servant's heart and put others well before herself. She was an active member of the Volga Christian Reformed Church, where she taught Sunday school and participated in Ladies' Aid. She was passionate about flowers and enjoyed sharing them with the church and others.

She loved her Lord and Savior and was a faithful servant. Her family was a great enjoyment in her life, being a loving mother and a doting grandmother. She welcomed everyone who came through her door with a smile and served them something sweet to eat.

She peacefully entered her heavenly home on Saturday, Oct. 18, in her home, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her son David (Mona) Dykhouse, daughter Ruth (Joel) DeWaard (Allison, Erica, Renae, Anna), daughter Lori (Steve) Sapp (Charles, Andrea, James), son Donald (Linda) Dykhouse (Anthony, Shonda, Emilie, Vanessa), son Mark (Kelly) Dykhouse (Samantha), sisters Vi (John) Brastrom and Jan Clapp, and brother Bill (Sherry) Van Beek. She was preceded in death by her husband John, her daughter Sandy, 2 brothers, and 5 sisters.

Her love, wisdom, and generosity will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her. While her family and friends will deeply miss her, they rejoice in her victory!