Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD.
Service: A Celebration of Sarah’s Life will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025 at Oak Hills Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, SD. A private family burial will be held prior to the service.
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Sarah Lynne Dykstra was freed from her earthly body on September 12, 2025, to spend eternity dancing in the presence of Jesus and walking the streets of gold. A Celebration of Sarah’s Life will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025 at Oak Hills Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, SD. A private family burial will be held prior to the service. Visitation, with family present, will be Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorials can be directed to LifeScape (www.LifeScapeSD.org) or mailed to the LifeScape Foundation at 3803 N Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
Sarah was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on March 26, 1978, to Joel and Vicki Dykstra. Her life was marked by her ever-present smile and her positive attitude despite lifelong disabilities that required her to spend all her days in a wheelchair. She grew up with two younger sisters, Cindy and Laura, whom she loved. She lived a life of activity and broad experiences despite her limitations. The family moved to the town of Woking in Surrey, England in 1990 where Sarah attended British school wearing the typical uniform of a burgundy jumper (“sweater” in American) and pleated skirt, white shirt and a burgundy tie.
After finishing school at 16 she attended Lord Mayor Treloar’s college for the disabled in Alton, England, as a residential student, returning home on weekends for the first year until the rest of the family moved to Rome, Italy in 1995. After two years at Treloar’s Sarah relocated to Dorin Court, a home for the disabled. During the family’s time in England Sarah accompanied them on trips to Cornwall, Scotland, Paris and the Netherlands. She made one trip to Rome to attend her sister’s high school graduation in 1998 and rejoined her family permanently in Sioux Falls in 2000, where she lived and received services at Sioux Vocational, now LifeScape.
Sarah loved her nieces and nephew and enjoyed spending time with them whenever possible and playing card games with them. She also loved her LifeScape family and brightened the life of staff and fellow residents with her bright smile and quick sense of humor.
Left to cherish their memories of Sarah’s life are her parents, Joel and Vicki Dykstra, her sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Shane Breen and nieces Abby, Ella and Emma Breen, her sister Laura Johnson and niece Ellie Johnson and nephew Liam Johnson, her brother-in-law Josh Johnson, aunts and uncles and cousins too numerous to list and many dear friends at LifeScape and in England whose lives were touched by knowing Sarah and who will always smile when they think of her.
Love and prayers to all of your family!!❤️
Very sorry to read this, Sarah was a remarkable lady, sending my love and prayers to you all
Hello Dykstras,
So very sorry to hear about Sarah. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. She was always such a sweetheart.
We lost my sister Connie this past December 11th. She passed in her sleep, and we miss her dearly.
God bless you all,
Joe and Cathy Cope
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your child is one of life’s most difficult experiences, but God is there to guide you through every step of the way.
Strength for today.
MAY OUR GOD WRAP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND ALL OF SARAHS FAMILY AND GIVE THEM COMFORT. SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Sarah is definitely missed by many. One of the individuals that lived with her told me he plans to say, “goodnight”, to her every night still. I told him absolutely as I know she will be watching over everyone like she always did at the house.
Sarah loved telling me stories about her family and was so proud to be an Aunt. You all meant the world to her and she knew you all loved her so much. I pray that loving memories fill your hearts and give you some comfort during this difficult time.
My heartfelt condolences to Dykstras, extended families and friends and those who knew Sarah. She was such an amazing being. My prayers are with all
Our sympathies on your loss❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. My son, Tanner, lived across the hall from Sarah. She was always such a happy person. I’m sure her housemates will miss her dearly. May God wrap His arms around you and give you comfort and peace in the days ahead. RIP Sarah ❤️
Nancy Redlin
Brandon, SD
I am so sorry to read this. I really enjoyed working with her when I was a DSP at Sycamore apartments for 2 years. I have thought of her often, and kept in touch with her throughout the years via Facebook. She never let her disability define her… bright, as independent as she could be, witty, great self advocate, and sometimes a little sassy…one of my favorites!
So sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet soul
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Joel and Vicki, We are sorry to hear about the death of your special daughter, Sarah. I recall how both of you lit up when you shared stories and updates about Sarah. I know she will always hold a special place in your hearts. Deepest sympathy, Nancy and Richard Dykstra
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. Sarah touched so many lives and was a wonderful advocate for herself and others. She will be deeply missed. May her presence continue to live on within us and memories of her fill our hearts, giving us comfort during this difficult time. I know she will continue to watch over us. Sending all my love to her family and friends.
Sweet, sweet Sarah…we will miss you more than words can ever express. I will miss your amazing smile and how looked out for Morgan, even if she stole your food or drink. Love you sweet Angel!
My deepest sympathies to your family. Peace be with you. Laurie
My sympathy on the loss of your daughter. Prayers
I remember Sarah from Bethany Reformed Church, she was always so friendly and warm. She had a life full of experiences, and now, she is an angel. Sympathies to Joel, Vicki and Family. May she fly high, with Harry and Lorrie, where you will all be together again.
Vickie Veenis
You were always so incredibly nice and an amazing person. Thank you my friend. I’ll miss you.
Joel and family
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter, we as parents aren’t supposed to bury our children. Sarah had such a beautiful smile, she will certainly be smiling down upon you in these very difficult days ahead. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I know the rest of the Dow Rummel board holds you close.
Brenda Frevik
Sarah always made me smile and we always had a laugh together. She was the only person who could call me ‘Mucky Chops’ I will alwsys remember Sarah’s smile and laugh. My love and prayers go out to Joel and Vicki, Cindy and Laura.
Sarah always made me smile and we always had a great laugh together.’ I will always remember Sarah’s smile and laugh. My love and prayers go out to Joel and Vicki, Cindy and Laura.
My deepest sympathy to you Vicki and Joel as well as your entire family. May your grief be replaced with joyful fond memories. May God ease and comfort you in the days to come.
Sending love and prayers for you all as you mourn the loss of your beautiful daughter Sarah. BUT…We rejoice with you all that Sarah has entered her eternal home and is with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, free from pain forever more.
Dear Vicki and Joel,
What an eloquent and inspiring overview of Sarah’s beatiful life! How I love the hope and joy that she expressed! And, to imagine her dancing and walking those streets of gold…”Oh Death, where is your victory!?…thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”!! We grieve our loss of her in this life now…but I look forward to meeting her face to face again in the Lord’s presence. It will be an honor to celebrate her life with your family. ( 1 Cor 15:55 &57)
I just heard this news and am so saddened! I loved working with Sarah during my time at LifeScape, especially the laughs we had while “chair dancing” using the lift to head to the restroom in old “Shop 3”. She always made me smile & was such a special gal. You have my deepest sympathy & prayers!
Sorry for your loss. It is easy to see what a wonderful person Sarah was just by seeing her great smile. You and your family are in our prayers.
My heartfelt condolences to her family and the lifescape family especially her peer at Stephen