Albert J. (Al) Sytsma Jr.  

March 17, 1931 – December 1, 2016

Albert Sytsma, 85, of Culver, passed away on December 1, 2016 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Culver after an extended illness.

Al was born in Chicago, IL to Albert and Marion Sytsma. He moved to Culver as a boy, attended Culver High School and graduated in 1950.

He married Elizabeth Mahler on November 7, 1951. She preceded him in death on October 8, 1990.

Al served in the United States Army as a Corporal and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base near Chicago, IL. He then served in the Army Reserves.

Al served as a part-time Culver police officer, drove a school bus, and did maintenance at the Culver School. He also worked construction with his father and was involved in the start-up of “Culver Tool” with his uncle. Later, he took a home study course on tv repair and opened “Al’s TV & Appliance Store” in downtown Culver.

Al’s greatest pleasure was talking with people. He enjoyed working with the sound for the early Maxinkuckee Players performances. He loved long drives in the country and keeping track of changes in the landscape. He was a friendly man who gave support to family and friends. He will be missed.

Al is survived by three sons: Richard Sytsma of Culver, Donald (Eric Salazar) Sytsma of Houston, TX, and Ronald (Wendy) Sytsma of Denver, CO; granddaughter Ashley (Josh) Edwards of Centennial, CO; grandson Bennett Sytsma of Denver, CO; and companion Janet Baker of Culver. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elizabeth, sister Dorothy Vandermeade and brothers Henry Sytsma and Bernie Sytsma.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at the Odom Funeral Home in Culver. James Harper will officiate funeral services at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016 at the funeral home, with one hour visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at Culver Masonic Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in Al’s name to the Grace United Church of Christ in Culver, Miller’s Merry Manor of Culver Employee’s Fund, or the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Plymouth, IN.