Harry Dale Byker, aged 82, of Rockford, MI, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord on Thursday morning, April 18, 2024. He was born in Hull, Iowa, and spent his growing up years in Hudsonville, MI. He was the son of Date and Johanna Byker and was predeceased in death by his parents as well as his 10 siblings. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Joan, his three children: Lori (Mark) Yarhouse, Jodi (Mark) Stegink, and Todd (Stacy) Byker, seven grandchildren: Lynnea, Peter, Celia, Trent, Wil, Sophia, and Owen, one sister-in-law Mary Jane, and many nieces and nephews.

Harry loved and served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, all his life. He sang in the church choir, taught and attended Sunday School, and served on church council for several years. He also traveled to several foreign countries on missions/service trips. He taught English literature for eight years in Illinois, but worked for most of his life in the construction industry with Pohler Builders in Michigan. However, the only tool he was proficient with was a paint brush. In his free time, Harry loved golfing, hiking, reading, and making chocolate malts. He was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Michigan State basketball team. Finally, he was devoted to his grandchildren and loved wrestling with them on the floor, pushing them on the swings, and reading stories to them when they were young. As they grew older, he attended their school programs and

cheered loudly for them at their sporting events..

Visitation will be at the Zaagman Funeral Home on Sunday, April 28, from 2-4 PM and from 10-11 AM on Monday, April 29. A memorial service for Harry will be held at Zaagman's on Monday, April 29, at 11:00 AM. A light lunch will follow the service, and a private burial service will take place at 2:00 PM at Blythefield Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Corewell Hospice (give.corewellhealth.org/hospice/donate) and the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org/donate).