Danny Leroy Sykora

Danny L. Sykora, 79, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, in East Lansing, Michigan. He was born on October 1, 1945, to Dorothy Gilliland and later adopted by his father Joesph Sykora. Danny graduated from the last class of Dimondale High School and was a resident of Dimondale, Michigan for most of his life.

At the age of 21, Danny married the love of his life, Woodena Ann (Woodworth), in 1966, beginning a lifelong journey together. The couple raised their family in Dimondale for 35 years, building a lifetime of cherished memories. Dan proudly served six years in the Army National Guard, where he received the expert rifle badge. He then began his career with General Motors Fisher Body Plant, where he retired after 28 years. After retirement, Danny then pursued his passion for construction and earned his builder’s license, going on to build multiple homes for his family.

A loving father, trusted friend, and guiding role model, Dan was involved in his community as a member of the Lion’s Club and a volunteer fireman. He had a variety of interests, including playing softball, bowling (accomplished a perfect 300 game), golfing (accomplished a hole-in-one), hunting, fishing, traveling with close friends, and enjoying trips to the family cottage in Harrison, MI. He cherished time reading, spending time at the casino and playing cards, cheering for college football, and watching cartoons and police/crime shows.

Danny is survived by his wife Woodena of 58 years; his children, Daniel (Jaime) Sykora, Tammy (Eric) Nieto, and Shannon (Rob) Evans; his grandchildren, Hayley (Zach) Porritt, Erica Trojanowicz, Abbey Trojanowicz, Reegan Trojanowicz, Rylee Trojanowicz, and Landon Nieto; in-laws Sheila Sykora, Mary Woodworth, Bob Farr, Patricia (Ron) Blackwell, Linda Woodworth, Tim (Ute) Woodworth, Sue (Steve) Kenny; many nephews and nieces and special friends including Scott and Inge Ferguson and Ken Harris.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Sykora; brother Larry Sykora; sister Diann Zeil; brothers-in-law Bill Woodworth, Joe Woodworth, Don Woodworth, Tom Woodworth; sisters-in-law Norma Farr, and Betty Woodworth.

Danny is remembered for his love of family, humor, unwavering support, stubbornness, kindness, persistence, and his love of chocolate chip cookies. He touched many lives with his goofy jokes and infectious laughter.

For the last 20 years, Dan and his wife made their home in East Lansing surrounded by many friends. They just celebrated 58 blessed years of marriage.

"WE WILL ALWAYS CARRY YOU WITH US"