Ronald L. Sykora, Sr.

Ronald L. Sykora Sr, age 78, of Iron River, MI, died peacefully in his home in Stambaugh Township on Monday, July 18, 2022, after a series of illnesses. Ron was born on June 20, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, IA, where he graduated from George Washington High School in 1962. He worked at the Sykora Family Bakery, and it was across from there that he met his future wife, Mary Pusateri. They were married on November 13, 1965. Ron spent 12 ½ years on active duty in the United States Navy, completing his 20 years in the reserve where he attained the position CWO3. He served aboard the USS Triton (SSN-586), the USS Woodrow Wilson (SSBN-624), and the USS Conserver (ARS-39). After early retirement from the Navy shipyard in Honolulu, HI, he took a position as caretaker for Ed Scarff at the Paint River Camp in Bates Township, where he continued to work for Gary Seevers for a total of 20 years. He enjoyed working with youth and was involved in Boy Scouts for many years until a liver transplant in 1996 stopped his camping activities. Ron then turned to Kinship of Iron River where he served as both mentor and president. He was also a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian, the VFW Ottawa Post #3134, The American Legion Reino Post #21, the Ojibway Archers, and the Classic Farm Machinery of Iron County. He also enjoyed working with the folks at the Mission Bible Training Center. Ron loved the outdoors, wood carving, canoe and kayak building, archery, and enjoyed sharing his skills with others. He was known for his sense of humor and hearty laugh. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. He leaves behind his wife, Mary of 56 years; sons, Col. Ron Sykora Jr and his wife CWO2 Kathie (née Stark) of Kelley, IA and Jason “J-Boy” Sykora of Palisades, HI; grandchildren, Ronald “RJ” Sykora III, KyLeigh, Ray, Malia, Landon, Natalee, and Deja; great grandsons, Keaton, Silas, Noah, and Junior; sisters, Judith Wetzel and Paula Sykora; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary (Horak) Sykora and his brother, Ernie Jr. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 25, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the church. A luncheon will follow at The American Legion Reino Post #21. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Gift of Life House, 705 Second Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or The Mariucci Family Beacon House, 200 S. Second Street, Marquette, MI 49855. Rest in peace Ron, we will always love and never forget you! The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Han, Iron County Veterans Service Officer Gerald Williams, from Mayo Clinc Rachel and the transplant team, Dr. Cima and staff, and most especially, Dr. Robert Albright Jr (Ron’s beacon of light) and his staff for their years of support. Thanks too to the many friends and neighbors who helped us through these difficult times. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald L. Sykora, Sr., please visit our flower store.