H. T. "Jay" Sydow

H. T. “Jay” Sydow, 90 of Fairbury, NE passed away November 4, 2014 in Fairbury, NE. He was born to Harry F. and Dora Huber Sydow in a farm house three miles west of Alexandria, NE on July 31, 1924. He was the youngest of four boys. Jay moved to Fairbury with his parents at the age of ten. Jay attended school in Fairbury graduating in 1942.

Jay entered the service in March of 1943 where he served in the Field Artillery Army Paratroops. He spent time in Anzio, Italy, England, Holland, France, Belgium and Germany. He was on his way to Japan when the war ended. He returned home August 25, 1945.

After the military Jay took some time off. While at a dance in Hebron, NE he met Bonnie, who later became his wife. Jay and Bonnie developed a wonderful friendship and were married December 8, 1946. To this union three children were born, Karen, Danny and Kristi.

Jay worked for the Rock Island Railroad where he served as fireman and engineer. He worked on the railroad until the age of 60. He was proud to say that he was the last survivor of Steam engines on the Rock Island out of Fairbury. After leaving the railroad Jay and Bonnie went to Virginia and managed a Colonial estate for a German doctor with about 50 miniature horses. He retired in 1989 and they moved back to Fairbury. Jay and Bonnie had a most enjoyable retirement spent with a host of long-time friends.

Jay loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. He loved to dance, play cards and listen to good music.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church for 76 years, the VFW, Elks, and Legion, served on the city council and held several offices in the United Transportation Union. Jay was very active in the ’23 Building project from its inception.

Family preceding him in death includes his parents, wife Bonnie, son-in-law Jack Strizek, 3 brothers and their wives.

Jay is survived by children Karen Pickett and husband Ronald and family of McAlpin, FL, Danny Sydow and wife Betty Ann of Gloucester, VA, Kristi Strizek and family of Lincoln, NE, 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Kathryn Rinehart of Omaha, NE.

Services will be Friday November 7, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury with Pastor Steve Frazier officiating. The family will greet friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 at the Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fairbury Cemetery. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of the arrangements.