Helmut G. Sykora

U.S. Army SFC (Ret) Helmut G. "Gus" Sykora, 68 of Junction City, KS passed away Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Geary Community Hospital. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at St. Xavier Catholic Church with Father Al Brungardt officiating, burial will follow with full Military Honors at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, January 18, 2010 at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street from 6-8 pm with a rosary at 7:30 pm. Memorial Contributions may be given to, St. Xavier Catholic Church, P.O. Box 399, Junction City, KS 66441.

He was born May 31, 1941 to Edward and Margareta (Havlicek) in Pilsen, Czech Republic.

He married Nam Sum (Paek) Sykora on July 31, 1968, but later divorced. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Gus served honorably in the German Army before serving in the US Army from January 20, 1964 to January 31st, 1984. He had joined the Army as Airborne Infantry but later found his calling as a Fire Fighter/Chief where he was proud to save a life rather than take one. Helmut took pride in his work ethic. He always told his crew that every time that alarm goes off someone's life is or could be in danger so know your job and respond quickly. He loved to tell stories of his life and childhood. He especially liked telling fishing stories to his youngest son. He always stood his ground and never backed down from a fight.

Helmut is survived by one daughter, Margaret Ann O'Connor of Waynesville, MO; two sons Michael Edward and wife Bernadean Sykora, of Junction City, Marcus Alan and wife Andrea Sykora of Osage Beach, MO; five grandchildren Josh and Shon of Waynesville, MO, Zachary and Michelle of Junction City, KS and Madison of Osage Beach, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Arthur and Edward, his only sister Anni Nix and one grandchild Brittany Amber O'Connor.