George Keith ("Lefty") Sycks, 89, of Park Rapids MN passed away, surrounded by his family and loved ones on May 17, 2007.
George was born Dec. 4, 1917 to Lafayette and Nora (Milender) Sycks in Backus, MN. After graduating from Backus High School in 1935, he spent the next few years working at various jobs, including the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corp), railroad, logging camps and lumber yards. During these years, he continued to pursue his passion for baseball by playing town team ball with his three brothers, Roy, Cliff and Lynn. In 1939, he attended St. Cloud State where he played baseball and earned a B.S. Degree in Education. Immediately upon graduating from St. Cloud in 1943, George entered the Naval Officer training program at Great Lakes and received his commission as an Ensign. He was assigned to Little Creek, VA where he volunteered for amphibious landing craft. George saw active duty in WW II on "D-Day", June 6 1944, where he commanded an LCT at Omaha Beach. On Sept. 7, 1945 he married Lavilla Cordes of Henning, MN at Norfolk, VA. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, George returned to civilian life and embarked on a career in education that was to span 35 years, gaining his masters degree and working in various capacities as teacher, coach, principal, and guidance counselor. His compassion, empathy, and love for others brought him many close friendships that were significant to him throughout his life. Always interested in sports, especially baseball, "Lefty" continued to play well into his late 40's with various teams throughout Minnesota. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and grandsons. A strong family man, George avidly followed his family's interests and achievements. He was a man of deep faith and considered his family his greatest accomplishment in life. George was a long time member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Backus, and actively attended Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menagha.
He will lovingly be remembered by Lavilla, his wife of 61 years; his three children Tom (Sue) Sycks ; Stefanie (Charles) Komschlies; and Melanie (Russ) Lamppa; 5 grandchildren: Dalton, Preston, Brock, Alan and Michael; 3 great grandchildren: Lauren, Lexi, and Noah; 1 brother, Lynn; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents Lafe and Nora Sycks, and 3 brothers, Reginald in infancy, Roy, and Cliff.
Visitation will be held at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN on Friday, May 25th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a brief prayer service beginning at 4:00 pm.
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Funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Backus, MN at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 26th with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Internment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Backus MN and a luncheon will be hosted by Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Active casket bearers: Sid Sycks, Rod Sycks, Dalton Sycks, Preston Sycks, Brock Sycks, John Cordes, and Ashur Cordes. Honorary casket bearers: Michael Don, Rollin Sycks, Gerald Sycks, Phillip Bower, Viljo Katainen, and Reino Karjalainen. Memorials to Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Backus or Redeemer Lutheran Church of Menagha are preferred in lieu of flowers.
