DYSTE, Wallace F. age 80, of Midland, died Saturday, April 3, 2010 at his home in Midland.
He was born March 10, 1930 to the late Frithjof and Eudora (Johnson) Dyste in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Wally and the former Florence Fowler were married on December 19, 1953 in Fairmont, Minnesota and spent 56 happy years together. He is survived by his wife, Florence. Together they raised four children: Timothy W. Dyste (Susan May), Matthew W. Dyste (Karen Horner), Karen A. DeVet (Max) and Sue L. Honaman (Joel). They have 9 grandchildren: Elizabeth Bales (Aaron), Benjamin T. Dyste, Samuel Dyste (Melissa), Jacob Dyste, Jenna Dyste, Nicholas DeVet, Christopher DeVet, Lauren Honaman and Emma Honaman, and 2 great grandchildren–William Bales and Benjamin G. Dyste. He is also survived by two brothers, Bob (Vivian) Dyste, Bill (Marlys) Dyste, and sister-in-law Katherine Gebhardt.
Wally earned a BChE degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He served in the U. S. Army from 1954-1956 as an artillery officer.
Wally joined Dow Corning Corporation in 1956 and held numerous positions until his retirement in 1991. He was the first Production Manager at the Dow Corning plant in Carrollton, Kentucky from 1965 until 1973. He was the Midland Plant Manager from 1977-1983. Other positions included Manufacturing Manager for the Resins and Chemicals Business; Manager of Corporate Process Engineering; Director of Corporate Facilities Engineering and Technology Centers; and Corporate Director of Safety, Loss Prevention and Environmental Affairs. Other business related activities included membership and President of the Board of the Michigan Chemical Council. He also was on the Safety Committee of the Chemical Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C.
Wally was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous committees. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Midland County for six years and served as President in 1982. He was a board member for the Arnold Center and served as Treasurer. He was also a board member for the ARC of Midland. He was a member of the Midland Rotary Club and for many years chaired its Community Needs Committee. He was also a member of the Midland Country Club.
Wally was a loving, loyal father leading Cub and Boy Scout troops in Midland and Kentucky, attending many football and basketball games for his sons and concerts and school programs for his daughters. He was especially proud to know what great kids his grandchildren were becoming. He enjoyed family get-togethers at their Wixom Lake cottage. Wally was an avid golfer, fisherman, downhill skier, and bicyclist. Over the past few years, he enjoyed playing bridge at the Midland Senior Center. Wally and Flo enjoyed many United States and overseas Elderhostel trips.
~Memorial Services~
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11 a.m. from Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Pastor Mark Miller will officiate. A luncheon will follow.
~Visitation~
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Military Honors will be presented by the Midland Area Veterans.
In remembrance of Wally, the family asks that you plant a tree, hit a golf ball or go fishing.
~Memorials~
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Eagle Village, Little Forks Conservancy or a charity of your choice. May your life be as blessed as his.
