Daniel J. Dykstra Jr.

1947 - 2023

Daniel J. Dykstra, Jr.
Daniel J. Dykstra Jr. was born in Madison, Wisconsin on October 13, 1947. He died January 4,2023, in Davis, California. Dan's many accomplishments, include an immensely distinguished career as the Deputy District Counsel for the San Francisco District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ("the Corps"). Dan often expressed a desire to make a difference, and without reservation, that is precisely what he did in both his personal and professional life.
Dan had an incredible thirst for knowledge, as evidenced by his life-long love of learning and academic achievements. He began his academic career by earning a B.A. in History at Ripon College while serving in ROTC, where he was commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona College of Law. Hungry for more academic enrichment, Dan earned a Masters of Law in Labor Law from George Washington University Law School.
Upon graduation, he served as an Army Judge Advocate General ("JAG") Captain where he worked as a Claims JAG for the U.S. Army Claims Service, Fort Meade, Maryland and then for the Claims and Medical Care Recovery Judge Advocate, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington.
He began his distinguished career with the Corps in the Norfolk District in 1978, transferring to the South Pacific Division in 1987. In 2004, he began his career in the San Francisco District where he served as Deputy District Counsel and served in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Dan's eloquently written legal opinions fill the San Francisco District's digital library, so very emblematic of his legal scholarship and his noteworthy contributions to the Corps.
His awards include the De Fleury Medal and Commanders Award for Civilian Service, three times. Of his numerous accolades and awards, his most coveted was the San Francisco District's "Gallery of Distinguished Civilians," that Dan received in 2017. In that citation, he was described as "a learned scholar, a deep-thinker, and a great mentor who inspired his colleagues and peers to improve the quality of their legal work. He exhibited uncommon courage and competence during three tours of duty to Afghanistan where he was bestowed the [Chief Counsel's] Bert P. Pettinato [Pride in Public Service] Award for his characteristically selfless devotion to public service. He was widely recognized as humble and gentle in success, and as having the open mind of true wisdom."
Beyond his love of the law and public service, Dan deeply loved his wife, Moira (Mitty) Whelan. Dan's father, Daniel J. Dykstra and Mitty's father were both professors at UCD Law School in the early years of the school's formation. Dan and Mitty got to know each other poll walking for Robert Kennedy. After several years of courtship, he proposed in his favorite place, McCall, Idaho. They married in 1972. Dan and Mitty raised two sons, Jack and Sam, in Rohnert Park, California. Dan was much beloved in the community where he served as a volunteer soccer coach for years, traveling with his team throughout Northern California.
After Dan retired, he and Mitty moved to the town of El Macero, California. Always having a heart to serve, he joined the HOA Board, eventually serving as President. He made the most of his retirement years by traveling the world with Mitty, playing golf at the local Country Club, summering in McCall, and relishing quality time with his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by his family; Mitty, Jack (Teresa), Sam (Julia), and grandchildren Mira and Liam.
A celebration of life will be held at the El Macero Country Club on March 11th, 2023, from 11:00 to 2:00.