Russel Eugene Sytsma

Russel Eugene Sytsma, age 75, of Hays, Kansas, died May 12, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society – Hays. He was born June 26, 1947, in Martin, MI to Jacob and Martha Sytsma. Russ was educated in Evergreen Park, IL and shortly after graduation joined the United States Airforce where he served for 20 years eventually retiring as a MSGT working as an Aircraft Armament Systems Technician.

Russ met and married Karla Joyner in Burbank, CA on July 20, 1974. Karla planned their wedding in six days and in a couple of months would have celebrated 49 years of marriage this July.

He enjoyed classic/old cars, attending car shows and stock car races, traveling to the casinos with Karla for a little gambling. He also loved garage sales, auctions, and target shooting.

After his retirement from the Airforce, he worked and retired from the City of Hays – Parks Department

Survivors include his wife, Karla of Hays, KS; son: David (Nancy) Sytsma of Wheatridge, CO; daughter: Becky Colvard of Hays, KS; step-brother: George Voss of Evergreen Park, IL; sister in law: Vivian Sytsma of WI; and step-sister: Nancy (Rick) Hollingsworth of Benson, AZ and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law: Robin Bauer; a step-sister: Carol DeHogg; a brother: David Sytsma; and his mother-in-law: Inez Basgall.

Memorial Visitation will be Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 5 PM to 7 PM with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 PM and a parish vigil service at 7 PM all at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 19, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street Hays, KS 67601. Inurnment will follow the Mass in the State of Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Wakeeney where Military Honors will be provided by the Hays VFW Honor Guard.

Memorials are suggested to: Masses, Paralyzed Veterans Association: https://secure.pva.org/ or St. Jude’s Research Hospital in care of the Funeral Chapel.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.