Willard D. Sykes

Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa Friend Age 76 of Forest Lake, passed away on Oct. 26, 2008 surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Preceded in death by parents, Hilda and Charles; first wife, Betty; children, Jenine and Jerry; brother, Dick; sister-in-law, Dorothy Searle; Surivived by wife, Kay (Miller); Children, Lori (Lyle) Goodroad, Linda Abler, Tim Abler; Grandchildren, Kayla, Steven, Will, and Dusty; other family members, Bernice, Jimmy, MaryJane, Wally, nieces, nephews, and many many loving friends. Will was born and raised in St. Paul where he attended Mechanic Arts H.S. and then served his country during the Korean War in the 27th Infantry Regiment Wolfhounds earning two bronze stars and a Good Conduct Medal. Returning home he married Kay in 1960, and was employed by Midwest Spring for 25 years and then operated The Vets Rest Camp on Big Marine Lake where Will invented, built, and patented the WK, one of worlds fastest spring coiling machines. With his invention he started Jer-Neen Spring a company named and honored after their two children, Jenine and Jerry. During his ownership he achieved thirteen additional patents and grew the company to 150 employees. In 1995, Will and Kay sold Jer-Neen Spring and retired to Fort Mohave, AZ where golf became his passion, so much to ace four hole in ones, in fact two in one day. They moved back to Minnesota to be close to family and fought and beat colon cancer, in which his children nicknamed him The Willinator for all his adversity and accomplishments throughout his life, and beating the odds. We will miss him terribly but know hes in a better place. Visitation will be 4-8 PM Thurs. Oct. 30th at Roberts Family Funeral Home 555 SW Centennial Dr., Forest Lake. Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Fri. Oct. 31st at Trinity Lutheran Chruch, 38460 Lincoln Trail, North Branch. with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to donors choice. Interment will be at Roselawn Cemetery, Roseville. Family requests casual wear, no suites please!