Cheryl L. Sykora, 66, of Eden Prairie MN, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN.

  Cheryl Lee Sykora was born April 19, 1960, in Graceville MN to Beverly (Kellen) and Clement Sykora of Browns Valley, MN.

  Cheryl received the holy sacraments and faithfully attended St. Anthony Catholic Church in Browns Valley along with her parents and siblings. Cheryl grew up on the family farm, attending schools in Browns Valley, and graduating with the Class of 1978.

  Cheryl furthered her education at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. She earned a BS in Electrical Engineering and later earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.

  During her professional career Cheryl was employed by the Mayo Clinic, Control Data Corporation, General Dynamics, and Emerson Automation Systems. She shared her expertise by advising the Chaska High School robotics team and encouraging her nieces and nephews who majored in engineering.

   Cheryl had a great love of music, learning to play the flute in elementary school and continuing to play in high school, college, and community bands. She was a member of the “Pride of the Dakotas” marching band at SDSU and was thrilled to perform with the Pride as part of the 1981 presidential inaugural parade. More recently she played in flute ensembles and was an active member of the Eden Prairie Community Band.

  Cheryl was an avid traveler and enjoyed taking photos of her adventures. She also enjoyed gardening (and canning her harvest), reading, biking, hiking, and sewing—too many interests and hobbies to list them all. Cheryl always had games and activities for her nieces and nephews during the holidays and spent a lot of her free time supporting friends and family however and whenever she could.

  Cheryl lived a fulfilling life on her terms. She was an active member of the Pax Christi Catholic community for many years and will be remembered for her generosity.

  Cheryl is survived by her siblings: Mary Sykora of Sioux Falls, SD; Linda Hoffman of Bellingham, MN; Diane (Tony) Swenson of Blaine, MN; Paul of Andover, MN; Peter of Ellendale, ND; Joseph (Jennifer) of Valley City, ND; Charles (Sharon), of Shakopee, MN; Theresa (Edwin) Van Riessen of Minneapolis, MN; her nieces and nephews and numerous cherished friends she made through her professional career and her many hobbies and interests.

  She was preceded in death by sister JoAnn (Bart) Schumacher of Norfolk, NE; brother-in-law Jeffrey Hoffman of Bellingham, MN; and her parents.

  Memorials preferred to the Minnesota Arboretum, Friends of the Eden Prairie Community Band, and Feed My Starving Children (FMSC).

Blessed be her memory. It was a life well-lived.