Dorothy B. Dykman

After a blessedly long and beautiful life, Dorothy Berniece Obermeyer Dykman met the God she had long worshiped, and was welcomed into eternal life on October 25, 2025.

Dorothy was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on the 25th of May, 1929, to Emma and Reverend George Obermeyer. She was raised in a close-knit German Lutheran family, and as a PK (Pastor’s Kid) she was immersed in faith and the life of the church. After the tragic death of her mother, Dorothy and her younger sisters, Betty and Trudy, were mothered by their beloved Aunt Lilly until their father married Alice Widmer Obermeyer, whom they grew to love and cherish.

Dorothy graduated as valedictorian from Olathe High School, after which she attended Wartburg College, earning a Business Degree. Dorothy married her soul mate, Loyd Dykman after a courtship which was prolonged by the Korean War. They were married on August 15, 1952, and were blessed with three children, Janice Louise, Catherine Ann and Timothy Loyd.

Dorothy was the consummate wife, mother, homemaker, volunteer and business woman. The Dykman home was always a warm, welcoming and beautiful place where she and Loyd hosted countless dinners and gatherings. A lover of the fine arts, Dorothy particularly enjoyed sacred and classical music and all things in her favorite color blue.

She was gifted with a keen mind and a servant heart which propelled her to numerous volunteer positions including church organist, District President of her church women’s organization and Regent on the Board of Directors at Dana College, to name a few. Dorothy was a trailblazer and became the first female president of Atonement’s Church Council in the early 70’s. Professionally she was a piano teacher, secretary, administrative assistant, drapery fabricator and interior designer in the firm she formed with her daughters.

Throughout her life she loved gaining knowledge and was persistent in learning new skills. As a follower of Jesus, Dorothy endeavored to show God’s love far and wide with her ready smile and accepting warmth for all, continuing to participate in bible studies and keep abreast of current events until her final days.

In December of 2011, Dorothy lost her beloved Loyd. Though devastated by his death, she learned to find joy and spread love, two of her specialties. She cherished all of her family and made certain to tell each one how much she loved them.

Left to mourn her passing are her children Jan and husband Mike Dieckhaus, Cathy Dykman-Acinger, Tim and wife Carol Dykman, along with eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. She will also be sorely missed by her sister Trudy and husband Del Hutton, brother-in-law Edward Dykman, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 9:30 A.M., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 A.M., Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS. The service will be live streamed. www.youtube.com/@ALC-OPKS

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be given to the Atonement Lutheran Church Foundation.