Gregory Cyson

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A celebration of life for Gregory John Cyson, 62, of Albert Lea will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. The Rev. Milt Ost will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of the service.
Gregory died on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at his home in Albert Lea.
Gregory John Czyszczon was born June 11, 1946, to John J. and Ruth E. Czyszczon in Minneapolis. The family lived in Minneapolis until 1955 when Greg’s father moved his family to Albert Lea, where he was managing a furniture manufacturing company. John’s career in furniture manufacture resulted in numerous relocations, but in 1962 John and his children returned to Albert Lea permanently. Greg graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1964. In 1970, Greg graduated from Mankato State College (now Minnesota State University, Mankato). He returned to Albert Lea following his graduation and began working at the city’s new youth center as the adult coordinator. Shortly thereafter he began full-time employment with the recreation department. He remained at the Parks and Recreation Department as the assistant director. During his tenure with the city he directed or co-directed most of the city’s youth-focused athletic programs.
Greg was a member of the Albert Lea Lions Club, where he served in many capacities including as a past president and as the club’s longtime secretary. Greg suffered numerous heart attacks while employed with the city and eventually he accepted a retirement option. During his retirement he participated in the federal government’s Seniors Income Tax Preparation. He enjoyed working with seniors and he volunteered his services for the past several income tax seasons.
Survivors include his stepmother, Edith Cyson of Albert Lea; siblings: Karinca Cyzon of Rochester, James Cyson of Fridley, Tudi and her husband Daryl Pitman of Spokane, Wash., and Timothy Cyson of Champlin; nephews: John Cyzon of Minneapolis, Justin Pitman of Spokane, and Daniel Cyson of Grand Forks, N.D.; and nieces: Alina Pitman of Aspen, Colo., and Betsy Cyson  of St. Louis Park.
Greg was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth, and his father, John.