Donald A. Sybrant

Donald A. Sybrant, age 78, of Rush City, died on Sunday, August 2, 2009 in the comfort of his own home with family present. Don was born on November 5, 1930 in Harris, Minnesota to Ralph and Pearl Sybrant. He helped out on the family farm while attending school in Harris and North Branch, and was also employed by John Mold on his turkey farm. At the age of 17, Don enlisted in the Army and served for three years during the Korean War. Following an honorable discharge, he met the love of his life, Joanne Nelson, of Sunrise, Minnesota. They married on July 19, 1952. For the first few years of their marriage, Don and Joanne lived in the Minneapolis area while he worked at Ralston Purina Feed Mill. During this time he attended Dunwoody Institute to gain skills that would help him in his job. For a short period of time, he was employed by Lance Johnson, constructing homes in the metropolitan area. In 1961, Don purchased a farm in northern Chisago County. It was there that they raised their family of five children, fulfilling his dream of once again living on a farm. One year later, he was employed by the Chisago County Highway Department where his chief responsibility was maintaining roads. This was a job he enjoyed for 32 years. Following his retirement in 1994, he discovered his talent for woodworking; friends and family kept him busy with special projects. Don was a long time member of the Rush City Baptist Church serving in many positions. Since 1989 until recently, Don and Joanne were also active members of the Christian Campers of Minnesota. A dream was realized when they were able to travel to Alaska and see Mt. McKinley on a clear day. Don enjoyed the outdoors, whether he was working the fields, chopping wood or tending to things around the farm. A day seldom went by without taking his dog on a morning walk. After 46 years of life on the farm, Don and Joanne purchased a townhome in Rush City. He will be deeply missed by Joanne, his wife of 57 years; children Kevin (Maureen) Sybrant of Rush City, Kathryn (Timothy) Swickard of Farmington, Melissa (Bryon) Miennert, of New Hope, Mark Sybrant of Rush City and Michael (Beth) Sybrant of Rush City; his brother Willard “Bud” (Darlyne) Sybrant of St. Francis and brother-in-law Lyle (Judy) Nelson of Queen Creek, AZ. Grandchildren Kellin, Korey, Janelle, Jared, Jeffrey, Carl, Kobe Sydnie and Samuel. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and other loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents; Ralph and Pearl (Peterson) Sybrant, his brother Ralph Sybrant II and sister-in-law Joyce Sybrant. The family would like to thank the caring staff of the Chisago County Health Services and Allina Home Care Hospice for their patience, understanding and kindness toward Don and his family. A time of visitation and reviewal was held 5-8 p.m. on August 5, 2009 at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City. The funeral was held 11:00 a.m. on August 6, 2009 at the Rush City Baptist Church with Pastor Dave Melin officiating. Music was provided by organist Ellie Whittaker, pianist Kim Halbert and soloist Reverend Roy Johnson. Honorary casket bearers included Jack Paulson, Cliff Ramberg, Orville Sachs and Rollie Whittaker. Active casket bearers included Kellin Sybrant, Korey Sybrant, Jared Sprunk, Jeffrey Sprunk, Timothy Swickard and Bryon Miennert with interment in the First Lutheran Cemetery east of Rush City. Military honors were provided by Harris American Legion Post #139. Memorials are preferred to the Rush City Baptist Church.