George Sypniewski
January 29, 2019
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
George Sypniewski was born September 18, 1949, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Zbigniew and Jadwiga Sypniewski. He passed away January 29, 2019, after a two and a half month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, with his family by his side.
George played football for Drake from 1968-1972, where he earned his BA and MA. After which he began his teaching and coaching career in 1972 with the Johnston School District where he remained for 35 years. While there he taught middle school and coached high school football and track. In 1989, he returned to Drake University as a football coach. In his 25 plus years at Drake there were multiple conference championships, and he became a stalwart member of the Drake coaching staff.
When not coaching, he could be found at Menards, or in his garage shop tinkering and pursuing his hobbies of wood working and glass etching. He enjoyed traveling, outdoor projects, and spending time with his family.
George is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cheryl; son, Quinn (Mia); and grandchildren, Keira and Kolt. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Westown Funeral Home, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Memorial contributions can be made to Drake University Football in memory of Coach Syp.
Please find below a link to the online giving page:
https://alumni.drake.edu/giveonline
The instructions are as follows:
· Enter gift amount under donation information
· Select “Other” in designation and in the “other” box, write: “Drake Football”
Additional Information:
· One-time gift
· Gift in Memory of: “Coach George Sypniewski”
· Click Add to Cart
Enter credit card information and submit
Dick Hardy
02/17/2019
To Cheryl and Quinn. Please know the entire Hardy family prays for you during this time of loss. George was the best. You were blessed to have had him. May the peace of the Lord be yours in the days to come.
Morgan Meyer
02/04/2019
Mrs. Syp and Quinn,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Mr. Syp was a great teacher and coach.
dean Vaughn
02/03/2019
My condolences to Cheryl and family. George and I were Drake teammates 1968-1971. George had a forearm that put a lot of guys on their backs. Always in position and understood his role. I am not surprised he became an excellent coach and teacher. I remember when he and Cheryl first met during our freshman year. Thank you God for putting a good teammate and an good man in our lives. Rest in peace #62.
Brendan Daly
02/03/2019
Cheryl, Quinn, and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you deal with the loss of Coach Syp. One of the all time greats. I had the privilege of playing for him at Drake and then coaching alongside him when I was done. He was an inspiration to me as a coach, but most importantly as a man, a father, and a husband. His legacy will be felt for years to come in the many lives that he touched. He leaves this world having made it a better place. May peace be with you coach Syp.
Mark & Jodi Mossoni
02/02/2019
Dear Cheryl & Quinn, We are so sad for your loss and hope you can find solace in knowing he is with our lord! We think often of the fun times we had as parents watching our boys play at CU and what wonderful families we got to know because of it. Thanks for being a part of those memories. Cheryl we would love to reconnect next time you are in Colorado visiting Quinn and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you both. RIP George!
Keith Wuttke
02/02/2019
Prayers with you, Cheryl, Quinn and Family. Many wonderful memories of you all!
The Carr family
02/02/2019
Cheryl and family, We are so sorry of your loss. George was a great teacher and such a nice person. My children have been telling stories about Mr Syp all week. With heartfelt sympathy, kimberly, DeAnna, John, Sharon and Gary
The Whitings
02/02/2019
Soooo Sorry for your loss. There will be a tremendous void in the family. We send our love, thoughts and prayers. Such a wonderful Grandpa to our shared grandchildren. Our sympathies to all of you. RIP George.
Rick Geitz
02/01/2019
I want to express my sympathy to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Coach Syp two different times in the 90's at Drake. Not only a great coach but a great person.
Jim Smith
02/01/2019
Cheryl and Family--
I was so sorry to hear about George's passing. As a classmate of his (and you), as well as student manager of Drake's basketball team when he was a football star there, I had the pleasure of spending a lot of quality time with him. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Those were some great times! Living in the Des Moines area also allowed me to follow his career at Johnston. You should take pride in the fact that he was able to positively influence the lives of so many people over the years. He will be missed! Lert me close by saying, one last time: "Here's to the man that wears the D!"
Melissa (Miller) Ring
01/31/2019
Mrs. Syp, Quinn and family - I was so sad to hear about Mr. Syp's illness and passing. You were both some of my favorite teachers! I have great memories of the Winter Park and Afton Alps trips you planned with Mr. D! I also have memories (although not quite as fond) of Mr. Syp attempting to teach me swimming lessons at Crown Point in elementary school. You've both touched so many young lives and had an amazing impact in our community! I hope my own kids will be able to find teachers and role models like you one day! My deepest condolences. - Melissa
Chrissie (Huisman) Tuetken
01/31/2019
Im so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Syp. He was one of my favorite teachers at Johnston! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
kim (Graham) Comer
01/31/2019
Cheryl ('S')
I was devastated to hear of the loss of the love of your life. You and George were VERY influential in my upbringing. Your relationship and love was inspirational and a role model for me. I am very glad I ran into you both recently at the doctors office. I am so very sorry about your loss and for Quinn and your grandchildren. Peace be you and your entire family. Much love to you.
Kim
Jared Wishman
01/31/2019
Mrs. Syp, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in my familys thoughts and prayers.
Mike Stanfel
01/31/2019
Cheryl and Quinn and family - Very sorry for your loss. I played for Coach Syp in the early 90's. He meant so much to the Drake program and to every player that he coached over the years.He made an impact on my life. We will be praying for him and you.