R.W. "Bud" Sydmark

R.W. “Bud” Sydmark, 74, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Oscar G. Johnson V.A. Medical Center in Iron Mountain. He was born April 27, 1941 in Gladstone, MI, son of the late Rudolph and Jene (Trottier) Sydmark. Bud graduated from Gladstone High School in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country for two years. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he attended Bay College where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Bud began his career at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers where he was employed for 10 years as an LPN before taking a position at the V.A. Hospital in Iron Mountain. He was employed at the V.A. for 25 years, initially as a LPN and subsequently as an Addiction Therapist/Counselor. Following his retirement from the V.A., Bud continued to help people by working for the Community Substance Abuse Program. Bud married Patricia (Lesandrini) Coopman on April 19, 1991 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aurora. He was a devout Catholic and active member of American Martyrs Church, the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), the Serra Club, Ultreya and the D.A.V. Bud was an avid Packers fan. He enjoyed collecting coins and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; four children, Paul (Barb) Sydmark of Kingsford, Michael (Lani) Sydmark of Niagara, Cathy Hartenstein of Iron Mountain and Calvin Coopman of Iron Mountain; his mother-in-law, Catherine Lesandrini; seven grandchildren, Lynsey Sydmark, Jeanette (Matt) Phipps, Michael Sydmark, Jayden Sydmark, Jill Logsdon, Alex Hartenstein and Laura Smart; two great grandchildren, Taylor Logsdon and Ty Montgomery; two sisters, Ruth Ann (Rich) Straebel and Debbie (Don) Leitzke; a brother-in-law, Ron Brow; and several nieces and nephews. Bud was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Brow. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 2 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral mass will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 3 at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military graveside honors. Pallbearers will be Bud’s nephews, Justin Degenaer, Jim Hixon, Kris Lyman, Nick Mellon, Jake Mellon and Travis Siewert. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Bud Sydmark online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

R.W. "Bud" Sydmark

April 27, 1941 - February 23, 2016