Rest in Peace

Deisel Andree "Tyke" Tykeson

06/06/26 – 05/27/18

Deisel Andree"Tyke" Tykeson passed away Sunday evening May 27, 2018 in his Lompoc home 10 days before his 92 ^nd birthday.  His wife, Jean; eldest daughter, Christine; son-in-law, Roger Toren Rodefeld; grandson, Jacob Rodefeld were present to say goodbye.  His sister Jewell called to offer a prayer for his passage.  His other daughters, Cindy Fenton and Valerie Stadick, and many grandchildren and even a great grandchild called to say goodbye, and tell him how much he meant to them.

Tyke was born in an apartment above a butcher shop in Kennedy, Minnesota (near the Canadian border), to John P. and Nettie J. Strandlund Tykeson.  He was the first-born of three siblings.  His sister, Jewell and brother, Gary were to follow him.  He grew up in Kennedy and attended the local school which he graduated from in 1944.

Tyke was Inducted into the army in 1944 and saw active duty in the Philippines during WWII.

After his service to his country he attended college and graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1952 with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

He worked as a school teacher in various towns in Minnesota and North Dakota until 1954 when he was hired by Oscar Anderson, School Board President, to teach in the small rural town of Ross, North Dakota.  He had no idea he would meet and marry the love of his life, Oscar's daughter, Jean Marie, soon after.  They were married on 12/28/1954, just 4 months after starting his new teaching position.  Jean and Tyke recently celebrated 63 years of marriage December 28, 2017.

He and Jean had 3 daughters, Christine Marie (1956), Cynthia Helen (1957), and Valerie Ann (1959), all born in Minot, North Dakota.

The family lived in various small towns in North Dakota: Ross, Stanley, Portal and Stirum.  In 1959 he was a Principal, Coach and Teacher in Portal.  He was proud to coach the winning Basketball Team in his District that year.

In 1960 he and Jean packed up their station wagon with their 3 girls, their dog Pixie and their belongings and moved to Lompoc, CA where Tyke was offered a teaching job.  He remained in Lompoc for the remainder of his life.

He held many different jobs throughout his life: delivering the magazine "grit" (at age 7), picking potatoes, carrying mail, working as a railroad spiker, serving in the army in WWII, teacher, coach, bus driver, principal, carpenter, pipe line wrapper, oil worker on a derrick, Fuller Brush salesman, insurance salesman, and Licensed General Contractor.

But his favorite job, perhaps, was mentoring the generations succeeding his.  He taught his daughters, by reading to them, reciting poetry by heart, coaching softball, taking them seriously and being genuinely interested in their welfare.  He volunteered as a girl's softball coach, a 4-H leader, and coached boy's youth basketball.  He went on to encourage and support his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in softball and basketball skills and competitions.  He was a role model in the art of living life with intent – moving forward with a twinkle in his eyes. There was always a private (or often overt) joke somewhere; humor seemed to carry him through life.  Even in his darkest days, he could see the humor, and the humanity and find hope.

He was a member and volunteer of the Alano Club and Peace Lutheran Church, an avid horseshoe player (competing in the World Horseshoe tournament in 2001), loved golf and running—finishing a half marathon at the age of 73. He was also a craftsman, making many beautiful things of wood, including a family room addition to his home.  He also built 4 boats at various times which he used for fishing and recreating with family members and friends.

His quirky sense of humor was his most beloved attribute.  Second to that was his kind support and encouragement to family and friends who will miss and cherish him.  He cared about people and everyone who was blessed to know him felt special in his presence.

He is survived by his wife, Jean and 3 daughters, Christine (Roger) Rodefeld from Lompoc, Cynthia (Kerry) Fenton from Windsor, CA, and Valerie (Terry) Stadick from Minot, North Dakota.  Also surviving him are his 9 grandchildren: Keenan Fenton, Jacob Rodefeld, Bridgette Fenton, Jessi Nies, Caitlin Rodefeld, Jenna Fenton, Jason Nies, Laura Fenton, Brian Nies; and 3 great-grandchildren: Emma Nies, Lila Nies and Ryan Nies and honorary great-granddaughter, Misha Vandenberghe.   His sister, Jewel Johnson also survives him.  He was predeceased by his brother, Gary Tykeson.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 29 ^th , 2 PM, Peace Lutheran Church (1000 West Ocean, Lompoc).

Donations in memory of Tyke can be given to Peace Lutheran Church or Lompoc Alano Club.