Francis Sykora

Francis J. Sykora, 86, Beardsley, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, 8 days before his 87th birthday, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Browns Valley with Father John Paul Knopik officiating.  Music will be provided by Carmen Hills, Sue Sykora, and Kelsey Holtz.  Urn bearer will be Jim Reinart.

Visitation will be Saturday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Burial will follow the service and the lunch at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Beardsley.  Military honors will be provided by the August Altheide American Legion Post 302 of Beardsley.

Francis Joseph Sykora was born November 9, 1938, to parents Henry and Theresa (Diekmann) Sykora in Graceville, MN.  He attended school in District 38, Browns Valley, and graduated from Morris Ag School in 1957.  While in Morris, he enlisted with the Army Reserves in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1963.  He returned home to work on the family farm, milking cows, raising cattle, hogs and many other kinds of animals and farmed the land.  His work ethic was like no other, and he instilled that in all of his children.

On April 5, 1961, Francis gained two sons, Marvin and Terry, when he married Dorothy (Reed) Witte.  To this union, six children were born and together they raised their family on the family farm north of Beardsley.  Their doors were always open to family and friends that wanted or needed a place to stay.

In between the busyness of the farm, they seemed to find time to travel, visiting many places either together or on family vacations.  After Dorothy's passing, Francis spent the past 17 years wintering in Arizona.

Francis loved sports and was pretty competitive in the ones he played.  In his younger years, he played baseball with the BV Bombers and was even knocked out by a pitch!  He also enjoyed bowling, but golf was his favorite.  He accomplished two holes in one - one at the Graceville Golf Course, the other at the Grant County Fair in which he donated half of his winnings back to that organization.  Other hobbies included hunting and fishing.  Most of all, he so enjoyed spending time with his family.

Francis was active and committed to his family and community.  He was a member of the August Altheide American Legion Post 302 and served over 21 years on the Browns Valley School Board, receiving the honor of School Board Member of the Year.  He also helped build the new Methodist Church in Beardsley.  Every Christmas, he donned his Santa suit and spread the Christmas cheer throughout, handing gifts to the children and adults.  He loved watching the excitement (sometimes fear) in the eyes of all those kids, always bringing a smile to those on the receiving end.  And who cannot forget the large garden, always sharing the fruits of his labors with family and friends.

Francis is survived by his children, Terry (Angela) Witte of San Tan, AZ, Lisa (Gene) Cox of Donnelly, MN, Dan Sykora of Beardsley, Greg (Mary) Sykora of Beardsley, Becky (Jeff LeClair) Sykora of Annandale, MN, Julie (Brad) Larson of Wheaton, MN, and Lee (Joan) Sykora of Hoffman, MN; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Reed; brothers, Dale (Rusty) Sykora and Bob (Barb) Sykora; sister-in-law, Janet Sykora; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna (Jack) Lamers; daughter-in-law, Rhonda (Brent) Wenker; and several other family members.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Theresa; wife, Dorothy; son, Marvin; grandson, SSG Kevin Witte; brothers, Everett, Gene, and Loren "Chip"; parents-in-law, Ernie and Anna Reed; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Katty Sykora, Mary Williams, Beverly (Jack) Raw, Helen (Stanley) Raw, Kathy Reed, Jeannie (Duck) Hills, David Reed, and Ernest "Sonny" Reed.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to CHI Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Dad during his final days.