Arleen Sycks

Arleen Sycks passed away May 4, 2014 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Brainerd, MN at the age of 92. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 8 with a visitation one hour prior to services.

Margarith Arleen Sycks was born March 26, 1922 in Sebeka, Minnesota, to Carl and Doris Nace. She was graduated from Sebeka High School in 1940, and she was graduated from Bemidji University with a bachelors’ degree in music and physical education. Arleen also attended the University of North Dakota and Minneapolis College of Music. Arleen taught school in Henning, Akeley, and Walker—a total of 31 years. After retirement, she taught private piano and voice lessons for an additional 21 years.

Arleen was married to Lynn Vernon Sycks in 1948 in Wadena, Minnesota. They resided most of their married life in Walker, MN. In 1997 they relocated to Woodland Village, Good Samaritan in Brainerd where she continued with her love of music by directing the community “Golden Gem” choir and Golden Girls triple trio with various speaking and music engagements in the Brainerd area. They were “musical family” and became dear friends. She was described at that time as an “84-year-old fireball” and a “Brainerd Treasure”. Arleen has resided at Diamond Willow Assisted Living Center for the past ten months. She has continued to hear from former students through visits and cards through the years, and this continued contact delighted her. She loved to share her faith, talent, and sense of humor with all people.

Arleen was preceded in death by her husband, Lynn. A private burial service will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Backus, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, donations will be sent to the American Bible Society.