Connie Frances (Sandahl) Luyk

Connie Frances Luyk, age 69 of Port St. Lucie, FL, formerly of Allegan, MI was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, November 24, 2018 in West Palm Beach, FL.  After a long and unwavering fight against alzheimer’s, Mom made sure to hang on through her second favorite holiday, Thanksgiving Day, bringing her family together and reminding us all the things we are thankful for.  Connie was born on August 13, 1949 in Allegan, MI to loving parents, Elmer and Frances (Miks) Sandahl.  Connie attended church faithfully her entire life and was a true prayer warrior for anyone and everyone she knew, and many she didn’t know.  Many knew her from her time working at the Credit Union and the family owned Subway in town, but her favorite job other than raising her family was the many years she ran a home daycare.  She was responsible for helping to raise dozens of children in the Allegan area, many of which have gone on to become incredibly successful in life.  Above all else, she lived for being a wife, mother and grandmother and truly adored her family.  Her happiest moments were when the family would get together for holidays, parties and gatherings; you could always find mom sitting back and soaking in the sounds of the family’s laughter.  In her spare time mom could always be found out in one of her many gardens where there always seemed to be a path leading to yet another garden.  She also loved hand-baking and decorating a special themed cake for all the grandkids over the years.  She was an amazing, hardworking and caring woman who loved her family and loved the Lord and will be dearly missed by all who were privileged to know her.  After their chance meeting at “The Note” in Wayland, Connie was united in marriage on April 6, 1968 to her loving, faithful and devoted husband of over 50 years, Ronald Luyk, who survives.  Also surviving are her 4 adoring children, Laurie (Paul) Southwick, Matthew Luyk, Jason (Heather) Luyk and Shaun (Jessica) Luyk; loving grandchildren, Keith Southwick (Alyssa Hopkins), Mary Southwick (Jesse Seckel), Anna Southwick (Austin Simmons), Kathryne Luyk, Christopher Luyk and Elizabeth Luyk, Abby Luyk and Jackson Luyk; many grand-fur babies that loved her; many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gary and Dan Sandahl.  Family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 5-7pm on Tuesday (11/27) at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Allegan (631 Grand St; Allegan, MI 49010) and again on Wednesday from 11am-1pm, where a celebration of life will follow at 1pm.  One of her many loving nephews, Michael Dunn will officiate the service, assisted by Rev. Dan Ward.  Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Allegan.  Connie’s children would like to give a much deserved and appreciated thank you to their Dad, Ron for retiring into the full-time role of caretaker after Mom received her diagnosis over 10 years ago.  Dad stepped up in a way that is indescribable and unforgettable caring for Mom, epitomizing what marriage vows should look like and their children will never have strong enough words to express their gratitude to him for all he has done over the years.  Thank you, Dad…we love you!