Sidney L. Sycks

Sidney Lafayette Sycks, 86, Vergas, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. 

He was born December 21, 1937, to Roy and Florence Sycks at Brainerd, MN.  Sidney honorably served in the US Army for 6 years and had been deployed to Iraq.  He and Jackie were married on June 5,1959 at Bethany Covenant Church in Brainerd MN, and together they raised three children.  Sidney had a long career with MNDot as a traffic technician, retiring after 40 years.

Sid was a collector of many things, none more important or valuable than his family and friends.  He was a storyteller who loved cracking jokes and was sharing them up until moments before he passed away.  Besides collecting and trading he had many other hobbies.  Deer Camp with his sons, grandsons and friends was a hunt he looked forward to all year.  An annual antelope hunt was another favorite he looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed.  He was an avid, albeit disappointed Viking’s fan, joking that his only regret in life, was that he was not able to witness the Vikes win a Superbowl. 

Sid loved the Lord and was very active in his church where he spearheaded “Operation Christmas Child”.  He also collected Bibles that were sent out to those in need.  Often the MC for special occasions he always had people laughing with his jokes and stories told in his unique style.   

Sid was not nervous about or fearful of passing away.  He knew where he was going and was looking forward to being reunited with his daughter Syndy.   He knew the love of his life Jackie would be well looked after and went peacefully on a beautiful and sunny Minnesota morning with a great collection of loved ones nearby. 

Sidney is survived by his wife, Jackie of nearly 65 years; his sons: Nate (Angie) Sycks of Watertown, SD and Tim (Elaine) Sycks of Puyallup, WA.  Also left to share his legacy are his grandchildren: Londyn, Logan and Lake Sycks, Katie, Sid and Micah Sycks, Benjamyn (Carrie) Jenson; their children: Bailyn and Coltyn, Kyrstyn (Steven) Edminster; their children: Erik, Elsie, Ariel, Sadie and Wesley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Syndy.

A memorial visitation will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, from 1 to 2 PM at CALVARY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH (101 10th Ave SE, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572).  A funeral service will follow at 2 PM with Rev. Bob Satterlie officiating.  Military Honors will take place as the conclusion of the service.  Final rest will be private.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their kind and compassionate care of Sid.

In leu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Operation Christmas Child in Sid’s honor.

West-Kjos Funeral Home is serving the family.  For more information, please visit WestKjos.com or call (218) 847-7279.