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Gary Sycks Obituary
Gary was born to Ernest and Elizabeth (Mansfield) Sycks on March 28, 1951, in International Falls, Minnesota. He met the love of his life, Christine (Borg), while in high school in Brainerd, MN. Married for 53 years, they had two children, Richard (Lisa) Sycks and Chadd (Wendy) Sycks. Gary was the proud grandfather of six - Colton, Lauren, Emma, Lilly, Josh, and Sydney.
He started his career at Weyerhauser Company in Washington and transferred to Oklahoma before moving back to Minnesota where he went to work for United Hospital. He worked as a Building Operations Engineer and finished his career as the Director of Education for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 70. He was an integral part of the union and was a champion for the rights of labor.
Gary was a devoted, caring husband, father, and grandpa, who loved to laugh and make others laugh too with his quirky, fun-loving, jokester personality. He was an outdoor enthusiast who loved staying busy; he was always finding things to tinker with, fix or build. He and Chris enjoyed going on adventures including camping, fishing, and exploring. Their favorite spots to go were South Dakota and Florida.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Ernie, and younger brother Danny. In addition to his mother, wife, children, and grandchildren, Gary leaves behind his brother Lonnie (Linda) Sycks, sisters Dianne (Tom) Atkins, Patty (Jim) Young, and Pam (Dennis) Gates as well as many other family and friends.
A private family service was held. A celebration of life will be scheduled for later this spring.
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William dukek
February 15, 2025
Dave Salisbury and I attended many of Gary's classes , you did not to fall asleep or talk,Gary would correct you with a lot of humor,both Dave and I on our heads,Dave being bald and I having long curly hair,we all had fun! Gary was always concerned for the engineers safety and wellbeing,Gary you are always in my heart and others
DAVID R Salsbury
February 14, 2025
My brother I'll never forget you and our times togeather
Gary Deegan
February 14, 2025
Gary was like my BIG BROTHER!! I REALLY miss him
John and JoAnn Mansfield
December 15, 2024
Remembering a well respected and well loved, unforgettable nephew
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Gary Deegan
December 12, 2024
Gary was the BEST FRIEND a person could ever ask for.
william dukek
December 10, 2024
gary you are very missed,your always in my thoughts and prayers,bill dukek
william dukek
December 10, 2023
gary an excellent engineer, very knowledgeable,passed on to his two sons all of his excellent traits and knowledge.it was an honor to work with gary,rick,chadd you will always be in my heart gary
bill dukek
September 3, 2023
student in garys classes at allina,being with gary,rick,chadd,many discussions on engineering and many laughs,gary is and always be in my heart. gary and doug were recognized in the field for theyre knowledge and talent. i just heard of garys passing and i feel bad. love you always gary, bill dukek
Linda Pleski
June 1, 2023
Chris, my heart is still broken after learning of Gary's passing. Having met the two of you was one of the greatest memories of my time at my career. Such wonderful people so dear to me. Gary was one of a kind and one of the smartest and whit of a humor. I pray you find joy in his gift and time on earth and the great memories will bring you and your family peace and reason to carry on his fine respectful legacy. You are in my heart. Sincerely, Linda Pleski
Mark Johnson
March 1, 2023
I will miss you Gary, I thank you for your friendship and the encouragement when you seen me. RIP Chicken Wing
Laurie
January 4, 2023
Gary was such a giving person! He always had great advice. He helped me out so many times in life and I will never forget his kindness. I was so very lucky to call him my brother-in-law! Gary, I miss you.
Gary Deegan
December 23, 2022
Gary was a BEST FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR I have EVER HAD
He called me the DOCTOR because I was a AUTO MECHANIC and I called him PROFESSOR because he was an instructor of MANY THINGS. I helped him with his 1960 VINTAGE CUB CADET. That one of MANY projects him and I worked on AND he be THERE if I needed an opinion or help with ANYTHING!!
GOD, I will MISS HIM SO MUCH
Bob Mattlin
December 22, 2022
Gary was a long time coworker but more importantly, a good friend! He will be missed by many! Rest in peace, good friend!
John and JoAnn Mansfield
December 19, 2022
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Gary´s sudden death this week and extend our deepest sympathy to all of our family. Although we live some distance from many of you, we find it hard to comprehend his passing, and will feel the emptiness of his absence for the rest of our lives.
It may help to know that our thoughts are with you, his immediate family. Undoubtedly, you have a lifetime of cherished memories to recall and share to keep Gary close.
Although we know death is certain, it still remains difficult to accept for those closest to us. The loss of a loved one is giving up a part of ourselves.
We remember Gary as a wonderful man, a role model with a great sense of humor, one who was interested in others - easily engaging in meaningful conversation, one who treasured his family showcasing them first, and one who lived his life with kindness, courage and integrity.
With much love and affection,
Uncle John, Aunt JoAnn and Colin
John and JoAnn Mansfield
December 19, 2022
Patricia Young
December 18, 2022
My heart is so broken that my dear sweet brother is gone. He was such an inspiration to me . Always had great quick Sense of humor . Had you laughing when you really didn´t feel like it. When I didn´t know what to do I could always turn to Gary or Dan. He was the fatherly figure after our father passed..Gary had a wonderful family that loved him. He will be greatly missed.
His little sister Patricia
Judy McMahan Paul
December 17, 2022
My heart goes out to you Chris, and Rick and Chad. Can´t wrap it around my head he´s gone. Please take extra care of my sweet Aunt. Love you all Judy
Cousin Faye
December 17, 2022
I am so sorry and shocked to hear this. He was such a sweetheart...always up for a good laugh. Am sending love and hugs to Chris and family.
Laurene Breitling Hollister
December 17, 2022
Sincere Sympathies to all family.
Lori and Tom Naylor
December 17, 2022
Our hearts feel broken. Such a great man. He was more than just a cousin to me, and he will be greatly missed. My love and prayers go out to you Chris and your boys, as well as the rest of your family,
Bunny Engeldorf
December 17, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayer, sympathy and hugs.
Worked @ United Hospital
DAVID R SALSBURY
December 16, 2022
Friends for 37 years, He was my brother one of a kind. So many memories I'll truly miss him RIP Brother
SALSBURY DAVID
December 16, 2022
Gary was my friend, my brother for thirty seven years. He was a one of a kind individual. So many memories ! I'll truly miss him RIP BROTHER
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