John Sybeldon

John M Sybeldon of Rib Mountain died peacefully Sunday October 12 with his four children by his side.
Born June 1, 1933 in Hurley WI to the late Edwin & Rosetta Sybeldon, he graduated from Gogebic Community College in Ironwood Michigan. He completed his education at Loras College in Dubuque IA & Central State College in Stevens Point. It was there he met his wife Mary.
John was a member of Wisconsin National Guard and was a member of the United States Marine Corp. He proudly served his country overseas during the Korean War. In October 2013 he and his son were able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
He retired from the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation in 1991 after 32 years of Service. John was very active in the community. He served on the Rib Mountain Town Board from 1992 t0 2014. John was very passionate and loved everything about his town. He often simply referred to it as "The Mountain".
He was member of the Wisconsin Town's Association, Friends of Rib Mountain State Park, The Rib Mountain Lions Club, The Knights of Columbus, The South Area Municipality Association, the Marathon County Development Corporation and the Wausau Area Taxpayers League. John was also a former Little League manager, a past PTA President, a Boy Scout Assistant District Commissioner, a library volunteer and was active in his church.
In the 1960's he wrote a weekly column in the Appleton Post Crescent titled "How's Your AUTObiography"
John was Chair of the Marathon County Republican Party from 1986 to 1990 and served on numerous state and district committees. He was a delegate to the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia. He was appointed by Governor Tommy Thompson to serve on the Athletic Trainer's Affiliated Credentialing Board and the Governor's Council on Highway Safety.
John married Mary Sybeldon (nee) Redfield on June 21, 1958 in Stevens Point Wisconsin. She preceded him in death in 1990. He was a patron of the arts and particularly enjoyed live musical performances. He also loved nature and the outdoors, especially wooded settings.
John loved Christmas and had a large collection of antique Santas. He also collected campaign buttons, political memorabilia, old-fashioned marbles and Jim Beam cars and decanters. In later years he developed a passion for woodworking and painting.
He enjoyed the solitude of listening to quiet music while smoking his pipe with his two cats Bentley & Piper on his lap. An avid Packer fan, John attended Packer training camps for over 40 years. Above all John will be remembered as a Gentleman. He perfectly and utterly personified the word.



John is survived by his daughter, Jean Barreaux (Theodore) of Washington D.C, three sons, Jeffrey Sybeldon (Judy) of Rothschild, Michael Sybeldon (Joy) of Kronenwetter, Scott Sybeldon (Theresa) of Weston, sister, Rita Anderson (John) of Santa Barbara, CA, two brothers, Ed Sybeldon (Monica) of Hurley and Martin Sybeldon (Carol) of Tilleda and special friend, Nancy Borski of Stevens Point.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9th Ave., Wausau. Father Tom Huff will officiate. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St. Wausau and again at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
His children gratefully acknowledge the skill and compassion of the critical care unit staff at St. Claire's Hospital in Weston.