On Sunday, March 27, 2022 Craig Wilbur Dykhuizen, 56 years old, passed away surrounded with love and family. He is survived by Kriste Dykhuizen (wife), George and Sandy Dykhuizen (parents), Leslie Dykhuizen West (sister), Scott Dykhuizen (brother), John West (brother-in-law), and Ryan and Jason West (nephews). Craig also was blessed with a large, extended, tight-knit family with whom he shared many memories, celebrations, and unconditional love. In addition, Craig was a proud fur father to Rayban, Jackson, and Napoleon Dykhuizen.

August 28th,1965, Craig was born to George and Sandy Dykhuizen in Brookline, Massachusetts. From a small child, Craig grew up in several different areas which included Switzerland, Pittsburgh and Chicago; most memorable, however, was Bryan, Ohio. Craig always was of the opinion that he had the best upbringing and credited that to his small town. He often mentioned that he had the best education and that the teachers gifted them with a solid foundation. Craig firmly believed that his early education helped maneuver him through college, and later led to a big part of his success. Furthermore, his mother Sandy often said 'it was a town that worked together and helped raise everyone's child.' Today, his friends that he made during those years are his brothers, and the love and devotion they have for each other is truly inspiring.

After high school, Craig followed in the footsteps of many other Dykhuizen family members and graduated from Purdue University in 1984 with a degree in Business and Marketing. In addition, Craig carried on the tradition of his previous family's alumni and pledged Kappa Sigma and became President of his chapter during his time at Purdue. Craig loved his years he shared with his fraternity brothers and continued lifelong friendships that he always cherished.

After college, Craig accepted a position at Hoskins Mfg. in Schaumberg, IL and later Brighton, MI. Soon after, Craig saw an opportunity to grow Hoskins internationally. Without knowing a soul, Craig traveled to Asia, learned the culture, and went on to build a strong foundation for a business network that later allowed Hoskins Mfg. to be marketable on the international scope. Craig's career grew along with Hoskins, and Craig became Vice President of International Sales. Moreover, Craig propelled several other business growths throughout his professional career through similar networking.

From 1999-2003, Craig took a position in Franklin, WI at Nova Industries as Vice President. Craig thoroughly enjoyed his professional life, challenges, and the rewards Nova brought him but his dream of entrepreneurship moved him in a different direction and he formed Pacific Link, an umbrella of several businesses that supply HVAC distributers worldwide.

Craig married Kriste in 2003 in New Orleans. Craig told Kriste to show up with a dress and he would take care of everything. On November 15th, Craig had a horse-drawn carriage pick Kriste up, bring her to Jackson Square for the beautiful ceremony. Afterward, a marching band, a police escort, and a few news stations waited to escort them throughout the city. That was Craig in a nutshell: he is the love of Kriste's life.

From 2008-2013; Craig returned to Nova Industries to help restructure, and in less than 6 months the business returned to profitability. During his years at Nova Industries, Craig always credited his team and gushed how remarkable they were and made it clear that those days were the best days of his career. He loved the people he worked with and they were truly his work family.

To know Craig and describe him as someone with a 'big personality' would be an understatement. When Craig loved, he loved with every fiber of his being and he protected those who were near and dear to his heart. When someone had a problem, Craig became a problem solver. Craig was a leader in every area of his life; it was always 'All' it was never 'Nothing.'

Craig was a huge fan of Purdue, New Orleans Saints, and a fanatic golfer. He also loved live bands, especially the Rolling Stones, which he got to see twice in concert. He loved watching Ron White and could watch him over and over and laugh just as hard as the time before. He loved to cook, learn history, and debate politics. He loved Mustangs and is the proud owner of a 1968 Shelby Mustang, his gift to himself for his 50th birthday. He loved to compete and he loved those who competed. Craig was blessed to have traveled the world, experience many cultures, and make tremendous friendships along the way.

Without a question, Craig's years were fuller than most and had a personality and life that matched those years. Craig was loved and he will be missed beyond measure by many.

A memorial will be held Saturday April 9th from 1:00-5:00pm at

Colonial Country Club

9181 Independence Way

Fort Myers, FL 33913

A celebration of life will also be held in Indiana at a later time. Date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Junior Achievement USA jausa.ja.org

https://jausa.ja.org/donate/index#qgiv-embed-50562

Tax ID # 84-1267604