George Sytsma

August 13, 2021

George Sytsma

Service Details

George Henry Sytsma, 72, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with neuroendocrine carcinoid tumor disease. He was born on December 7, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois.

George enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968. He served until 1972, when he was released from active duty and transferred to the U.S. Naval Reserve. Following boot camp, he was sent to Pensacola, Florida where he met the love of his life, Janet Grant, who was also serving in the U.S. Navy. They were married in 1969. The couple made their home in DeWitt and together they raised four children. Later they moved to the Des Moines area to be closer to their grandchildren.

George worked as a machinist at Caterpillar for 16 years and later at Kartridge Pack for 24 years. George and his family were also custodians at the DeWitt United Methodist Church for 16 years. When they first moved to Altoona, he worked part time for Menards and most recently, he worked part time for the Altoona Post Office. He and Janet loved gardening and had a magnificent flower garden, where they spent many hours birdwatching. George was a beautiful woodworker and enjoyed making furniture and planters.

George is survived by his loving wife, Janet; sons, Andy (Erin) Sytsma and Jeff (Brianna) Sytsma; daughters, Jill (Casey) Hazen and Cheryl (Ron) Sellner; grandchildren, Dagan, Greyson, Haley and Owen; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Evelyn (Green) Sytsma.

The family will greet friends on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 9 am until 11 am followed by the funeral service at 11 am at the Ivy Centennial United Methodist Church, 9150 NE University Avenue in Altoona.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Ivy Centennial United Methodist Church in loving memory of George.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.


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