Leo "Bud" Sykes

Leo “Bud” Sykes, 79, of Garner, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Leo Ora Sykes, Jr., the son of Leo and Nadine (Hammans) Sykes, was born June 17, 1946, in Des Moines. He grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Sioux City East High School. Bud served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne as a combat medic. On June 5, 1982, he married Deb Roberts in Churdan, Iowa. They lived in Laurens before moving to Garner in 1991. Bud was employed by ECI (Electrical Construction of Iowa) as an electrician for many years. He also worked at Lehigh Portland Cement as an electrician and heavy equipment operator until his retirement in 2012. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing.

Bud is survived by his wife, Deb of Garner; five children, Mandy Sykes of Jackson, MN, Mickey (Matt) Maxwell of West Des Moines, Rob (Elly) Sykes of Mason City, A.J. Sykes of Garner her partner, Sheldon, and Caitlin (Brett) Carolus of Klemme; and nine grandchildren, Blake Muller, Adele Muller, Easton Sykes, Hadley Carolus, Bennett Carolus, Gabe (Emma) Tippett, Madison Dengler, Ava Dengler and Benny Dengler. He also leaves a brother-in-law, Terry Gill of Omaha, NE; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, JoAnn Gill.