Harold P. Dyck, 86, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at Schowalter Villa, Hesston.
Mr. Dyck was born Sept. 2, 1920 in Newton, Kan. to Jacob H. and Fannie Elizabeth (Yost) Dyck. He grew up on a farm north of Hesston. He was a member of Hesston Mennonite Church. He served in Civilian Public Service in South Dakota and in Pennsylvania as a conscientious objector during World War II from 3-14-1943 to 3-23-1946. On Sept. 19, 1942 he married Elva Mae Hershberger in Newton. He and his wife founded Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, by donating 12.6 acres (and $1million for development and maintenance) in 1981; served on various boards including Schowalter Villa, Mennonite Publishing House and Hesston Mennonite Church. He was the former mayor of Hesston from 1969-1971 and served 18 years in the Kansas Legislature and was also involved in the early stages of Hesston Corporation (AGCO). He worked at Hesston Corporation in the early stages of the company that is now AGCO for about 20 years. He was a sales manager and vice president. Later he volunteered more than 20 years as an estate planner and regional manager for Mennonite Foundation. He served on various boards, including Schowalter Villa, Mennonite Publishing House and Hesston Mennonite Church.
He is survived by two sons and two daughters: Gary and Teresa Dyck of Frankston, Texas, Tom and Regina Dyck of Hesston, Joycelyn Cooley of Hesston, and Julia and Brad Roupp of Ashland, Ore.; two brothers, John Dyck of Hesston and Kenneth Dyck of Newton; three sisters, Neva Schmidt of Moundridge, Margaret Ensz of Inman and Velma and Melvin Jantzen of Hesston; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Clifford.
Service on Saturday, Hesston Mennonite Church; burial following in Eastlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be designated to Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, in lieu of flowers, in care of Miller Funeral Home, 107 S Lancaster, Hesston, KS 67062.
