John W. Van Dyke, age 69, of Franklin, passed away with his wife, Jeannie, and fur buddy, Skipper, by his side on April 15, 2026. John was born on October 3, 1956, in Appleton, WI the son of the late William and Joan Van Dyke.

John grew up in Kaukauna, WI. As a younger man he played basketball, volleyball and was a great golfer. John retired to Arkansas from his career as an Electrical & Instrumentation Technician for papermills in Kimberly, Stevens Point and Combined Locks, WI. John was a master at his trade and a skilled jack of all trades who would tackle anything that came his way. John’s retirement years were spent playing forester on his land and proudly taking care of his “lake”. He loved driving his antique mustang and spent endless hours using (and fixing) his vintage tractor-backhoe. He spent many hours in his man cave watching the PGA tour, NASCAR, Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Christmas movies on The Hallmark Channel, with the fireplace roaring and his buddy, Skipper, on his lap.

John is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jean (Jeannie); his children Dana (Larry) Holschuh of Appleton, WI, Timothy (Tim) Van Dyke of Appleton, WI, Robert (Rob) Van Dyke of Kenosha, WI; his grandchildren, Hunter, Kirianna and Lincoln.

He is further survived by his sisters, Patricia Hanby of Neenah, WI; Carol Van Dyke of Bloomington, MN; Mary (Rod) Eissens of Sheboygan, WI; Susan (Marty) Radermacker of Marietta, GA; stepmother in-law, Maria Mac Connie, Peachtree City, GA; brother and sister in-laws, Michael (Cindy) Mac Connie, Pisgah Forest, NC, Nancy (Doug) Pierce, Durham, NC, Debra (Steven) Lurie, Palmetto, FL and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents, William and Joan Van Dyke of Kaukauna, WI and father and mother in-law, Bruce Mac Connie, Peachtree City, GA and Marilyn Mac Connie, Brevard, NC

Doty Family Funeral & Memorial Service in Horseshoe Bend, AR handling the private arrangements.