Stanley S. Syzdek

Stanley S. Syzdek, 80, of Belleville, Illinois, born Tuesday, December 8, 1931, in East Saint Louis, IL, died Sunday, December 2, 2012 at his residence.

Stan was a retired Assistant Chief for the East Saint Louis Fire Department for 37 years, retiring in 1990 and was a Belleville Alderman for Ward 4 from 1995-2011. He was a member of Saint Henry Catholic Church in Belleville, Illinois, where he was a dedicated worker for the parish bingos and fish fries. He received an honorary award from St. Henry's Men's Club in 1978. He was a past president and life member of the Exchange Club of Belleville working Friday night bingos. He received the Merit Award for outstanding service to the principles and ideals of the club from 1990-1991 and received the Exchangite of the Year Award in 1994. He served on the board of Althoff Catholic High School and was awarded the outstanding service award in 1990. He served on the board of directors for Belleville Moose Lodge #1221, was a member of the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus council #1028 and was a United States Navy Reserves veteran. He was an avid bowler and bowled a 300 - game, receiving many trophies.

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Parents: John and Stella nee Gustek Syzdek
  • Brothers:
    • Mitchell Syzdek
    • Benny Syzdek
  • Sisters:
    • Theodora Rampold
    • Frances Syzdek
  • Infant sister

Surviving are his:

  • Wife of 56 years: Jo Ann  nee Yurko, Syzdek
  • 5 Daughters:
    • Debbie (Jack) Lay of Creve Coeur, MO
    • Denise (Joe) Samuelson of Swansea, IL
    • Carole (Marty) Wilson of Ladue, MO
    • Karen O'Dell of Belleville, IL
    • Sherri (Brad) Moore of Omaha, NE
  • Brother: Henry (Phyllis) Syzdek of Collinsville, IL
  • Grandchildren:
    • Natalie and Sam Lay
    • Rob and Kayla Samuelson
    • Brendan Wilson
  • Brother-in-Law: Andy (Jo Ann) Yurko of Granite City, IL
  • Dear Nieces and Nephews

He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Specials Thanks: A special thank you to his exceptional caregivers and to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Memorials:  Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Henry Catholic Church

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, December 6, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois. An Exchange Club walk-through will be held at 5:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral:  A funeral procession will leave from Kurrus Funeral  Home in Belleville, IL at 9:00 am, Friday, December 7, 2012 for a 9:15 am mass of Christian Burial at Saint Henry Catholic Church in Belleville, Illinois with Rev. Kenneth York officiating.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Condolences left for Stanley S. Syzdek:

    I knew Stan through the Belleville Exchange Club bingo and he was a warm, smiling man who went out of his way to make us feel welcome and appreciated. I looked forward to seeing him on Friday nights and missed him when he was no longer able to come. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family - he always spoke of them in such loving terms.

    Kimberley Power O'Fallon IL 62269

    JoAnn please accept my sympathy for the passing of Stan. I knew him as a firefighter with my dad and also as an alderman when I worked for the City of Belleville Fire Department also when I was the secretary for the Police and Fire Committee. He was a pleasant person to get along with and I am sure he will be missed by all. Please extend my condolences to your children and the rest of your family.

    Phyllis Scobbie Belleville Illinois 62223

    JoAnn,
    I was so sorry to hear about Stan. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed working with him over the years. I will always remember his dry wit and his willingness to give back to his community. He was a good man and it should comfort you that you had so many wonderful years together.

    Nancy Boeckman Belleville Illinois 62221

    JoAnn,
    I was so sorry to hear about Stan. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed working with him over the years. I will always remember his dry wit and his willingness to give back to his community. He was a good man and it should comfort you that you had so many wonderful years together.

    Nancy Boeckman Belleville Illinois 62221

    Karen, my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to you and your family at this time of sorrow. I did not have the opportunity to meet your father, but knowing you he was a wonderfully kind and giving man. Hopefully the void in your heart will be filled with the memories he created for his family.

    Mileen Keating Kanab Utah 84741