LUCERNE, Calif. – Bert Dykema of Lucerne died unexpectedly in his sleep on May 5, 2018.

Bert was away on one of his favorite pastimes – a fishing trip with the Derby Hat Club.

Bert is survived by the love of his life for 41 years, Clara; his daughters, Tammy and Sonia and their spouses; his grandsons, Lukus, Markie, John, Braxton, Jacob and his spouse; his granddaughter, Maiya; and his great-grandson, Tripp.

Bert was born in Dothan, Alabama on December 14, 1946. He was an avid college football fan, yet, for some reason, he preferred the Florida Gators over the Crimson Tide of Alabama.

Bert proudly served for 26 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

While in the service, he traveled the globe, and he was eventually stationed in the Netherlands for seven years. This assignment had a special meaning to Bert because, while growing up in Alabama, his great-grandmother, who spoke only Dutch, lived next door, and she taught him some Dutch. More importantly, Bert met Clara, and made the most important decision of his life. He married Clara!

Bert would have stayed in the Netherlands, but the Air Force had a better idea – they shipped Bert and Clara to Luke AFB in Phoenix, where he served until he retired in 1996.

After retirement, Bert and Clara began enjoying another of his favorite pastimes, traveling the USA in his motor home.

No matter where Bert went he would know at least one person. If he didn’t when he got there, he definitely did going out.

Their travels brought them to Lucerne where they found the perfect place to settle.

Bert was loved and cherished by his friends and family. They especially loved his cantankerous, curmudgeonly, honest, shoot-from-the-hip sense of humor, and his willingness to help no matter what the request.

He lived his life exactly as he chose to and enjoyed fishing, golfing, RVing, playing cards, or just socializing and shooting the breeze.

Bert was a member of the Derby Hat Club, the Lakeport and Lake Havasu City Elks Lodges, the Eagles in Lake Havasu, the Cannibal Club, the Sunshine Benevolent Association (degenerate card players of Lake County) and the SIRS.

We have all lost a good friend, and he will be missed.

A Jimmy Buffett-themed celebration of Bert’s Life and potluck will be held on Friday, May 25, at 4 p.m. at the North Shore Event Center, 2817 E Highway 20, Nice (formerly the Sons of Italy building).

No flowers please, but do bring any pictures you may have of Bert.