George Sypniewski
January 29, 2019
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”
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Kathie (Lenc) Nelson
01/31/2019
Having worked as a lifeguard at Des Moines Golf & Country Club, George was one of our managers. It was a wonderful summer full of laughs and shananigans!
Gone too soon- but what a wonderful life having made such an amazing impact on SO many...a loving wife, son, daughter in law & grandchildren, & friends makes his time of this earth complete! Heartfelt hugs.
Bert and Evie Sewell
01/30/2019
Cheryl and Quinn and family,
We were saddened to hear of Georges passing. I know Ryan, Wade and Brad would want me to send condolences as well. Fond memories of him coaching the boys and teaching them in Jr. High. Our thoughts and prayers for you that God will embrace you with his loving arms of comfort and love. Our deepest sympathies.
(We are out of town and will not be able to make the visitation; so sorry I cant give you a hug.)
Traci Vignaroli
01/30/2019
Syps were some of my favorite teachers at Johnston. Great memories and a beautiful legacy by you both. I was shocked to read this and prayers for your family in the coming days. Thanks for investing so much in the lives of the Johnston students all those years. So very appreciated.
Rod and Jyll Miner and Girls
01/30/2019
We were saddened to hear this unexpected news. I was honored to know George from J-town(back when Johnston was small) as a parent - having Quinn in 3rd grade and a teacher - Joscey enjoyed having him at Summit for PE as well as swim lessons when she was small. Gwynna was blessed when he and his mother agreed to be interviewed for her group's history day project about Poland. What a incredible story they shared and so generous of their time. The Sypniewski Family has such a warm place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathies to his family and many friends.
Naser Hannoon
01/30/2019
Coach Syp taught me so much on the football field that carried over to my life after football. The countless hours of film, the love he put into the team and more specifically the D-line group. The memories at his and Cheryls house for dinners and bonfires. He cared. He taught me how to be truly humble, attention to detail, not taking any shortcuts. He put up with my trouble I would cause at times but always wanted the best out of me and I cant thank him enough for that. I will never forget our time together and the memories I have of him. Im so happy that I had the privilege of learning from Coach Syp. His legacy will not be forgotten.
Connie Young
01/30/2019
George was such a humble and gentle soul who adored his family, friends and students. My heartfelt prayers are with you Cheryl, Quinn and family.
Tim and Robin Kuhns-Cunningham
01/30/2019
George was a soft spoken, gentle and humble man. George was also a great friend and neighbor. We always enjoyed seeing George and Cheryl round the corner on their numerous walks or bike rides around Knapp Gardens. Then years later with Quinn's beautiful family joining in. Our heartfelt prayers and hugs are being sent to Cheryl, Quinn, Mia, Keira and Kolt. He will be truly missed!
David Schnathorst
01/30/2019
Cheryl and Quinn, I am very sorry to hear about your loss, Coach Syp was a great coach but an even better person, I will never forget him. I hope for your comfort and peace with his passing.
Joan Kielhorn
01/30/2019
I am thinking of Cheryl, Quinn and family, and Georges many dear friends as they mourn this great man. He cared deeply for his family, friends, athletes. and students. When children at Summit did not know how to swim, he kept them after school to teach them. He had a huge, humble heart. Rest In Peace, George. I feel lucky to have been your colleague.
Gary and Diane Ross
01/30/2019
Cheryl and Quinn - we are extremely saddened to hear of George's illness and passing. He was a man with great character and integrity. Cherish the memories and keep them close to your heart. Prayers for comfort and peace. Rest In Peace George!
Rick Garland
01/30/2019
Coach Syp touched the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
God Bless
Jason Thiss
01/30/2019
So sorry to learn of coach Syps passing. He was a great coach and wonderful man. God bless your family.
Angela (Jennings) Hill
01/30/2019
So sorry Mrs. Syp and Quinn. When I think of Mr. Syp I hear a loud laugh, and also a nice encouraging push to be better. I loved watching your family together, it was clear you loved each other very much. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Don and Maribeth Miller
01/30/2019
Thoughts and prayers from our family.
Vonnie Zenti
01/30/2019
Cheryl and Quinn, I am so sorry to hear about George. You are in my thoughts and prayers.