Walter Van Dyk was born on September 3, 1939, in Sibley, Iowa, to Cornelius Van Dyk and Gertrude (Vos) Van Dyk. At the age of 11, Walter moved with his family to a farm northwest of Lake Wilson, Minnesota, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of agriculture. He graduated from Lake Wilson High School in 1957.
Following high school, Walter worked in construction, helping build brick schools and churches throughout the region. In the early 1960s, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by founding Van Dyk Construction, a company specializing in the construction of pole barns. Through hard work, honesty, and quality craftsmanship, he built a respected and successful business.
On July 24, 1965, Walter married his caring wife, Valerie Ann March, at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, Minnesota. That same year, the couple purchased their first home in Lake Wilson, where they began building their life together before eventually pursuing their dream of farming.
In 1969, Walter and Valerie purchased a 240-acre farm west of Lake Wilson. Working side by side, they balanced the demands of raising a young family while growing a successful construction business, raising beef cattle, and producing crops. Valerie’s partnership and unwavering support were instrumental in the success of both the farm and the business. At the age of 40, Walter sold Van Dyk Construction so he could devote his full attention to expanding the family farming operation. Through determination, vision, and countless hours of hard work, he continued to grow the farm he loved.
As the years passed, Walter gradually stepped away from active farming by enrolling portions of the land in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and renting out cropland. Even after retiring from day-to-day farming, he never lost interest in the land. He enjoyed driving the countryside, checking on the crops, and keeping an eye on the fields that had been such an important part of his life.
Walter’s interests extended far beyond the farm. He could spend hours searching for unique cars and trucks, always looking for the next project or customization. Among his favorites was the iconic 1957 Plymouth Fury, a car that perfectly matched his appreciation for classic style and performance. He loved to drive fast and embraced life with enthusiasm.
Walter approached life much the same way he approached work—with confidence, determination, and a willingness to chart his own course. He pushed the limits, often made his own rules, and was never afraid to tackle a challenge. He had a curious and creative mind, loved a good road trip, and believed in working hard and playing just as hard. Nothing brought him more pride than following the lives of his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He always looked forward to hearing about their latest activities, accomplishments, and adventures, and he took genuine joy in keeping up with all that was happening in their lives.
Family and friends will forever remember two of his favorite sayings: “Just do it “ and “I’d bet the farm on it”.
One of Walter’s proudest creations still overlooks the countryside he loved. With the help of family and friends, he designed and constructed the large buffalo that stands atop Buffalo Ridge—a lasting landmark and fitting tribute to his imagination, determination, and love for the farm and hillside he called home.
Walter will be remembered as a tough, hardworking businessman, dedicated farmer, devoted husband and father, and a man whose ingenuity and adventurous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the land he cared for, the business he built, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched through his stubborn determination, unique outlook, and entertaining wit.
Walter is survived by his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Valerie Van Dyk; daughters, Dawn Grogan (Bob) and Vonda Herding; grandchildren, Chelsea Grogan (Kyle), Taylor Grogan (Katie), Derek Grogan (Kylie), Cole Herding (Katie), and Clay Herding (Jordyn); six great-grandchildren; sister-inlaw Jeanne March; brothersand sisters-in-law Mike and Sheryl March, Bob and Mary Schwartz, and Roger and Beth Prahm; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius Van Dyk and Gertrude (Vos) Johnson; stepfather, Nolan Johnson; father- and mother-in-law, James (Van) and Florence March; sister and brother-in-law, Myrna and Bob Van Ede; and brotherin-law, James March.
Funeral services was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson, Minnesota, with Pastor Bob Ossefoort officiating. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren— Chelsea Grogan, Taylor Grogan, Derek Grogan, Cole Herding, and Clay Herding— and longtime trusted friends Greg Helmke and Dick Mahon. Interment was at Hillside Cemetery in Lake Wilson, Minnesota. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton, Minnesota. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com
