WESLEY RUDOLPH SYLVESTER

Wesley Rudolph Sylvester passed away Thursday, March 20, 2008, at the Christian Care Cottage in Ottawa, at the age of 95 years. He was born on March 10, 1913, at home in Riley County, the 12th child and fifth son of Mary (Rudolph) and Henry Sylvester. On Jan. 16, 1935, he was united in marriage to Bertha Marie Diskau at Riley and they celebrated 73 years of marriage on Jan. 16, 2008.

He attended school at the Magic Grade School south of Riley, served as a Sunday School teacher and played saxophone in the church band as he grew older. He always enjoyed music.

In the early years of their marriage, they farmed south of Riley and, at that time, their four children were born. In 1966, they relocated to Ottawa when their farm was taken by the Ft. Riley Military Reservation.

Wesley was involved in many organizations during his lifetime and was a forward-looking farmer, always trying new things. He saw the need to grow and change with the times in order to be successful in the agricultural field. He became involved in growing certified seed for resale in 1946 and that portion of his farming enterprise continues to this day. He received several awards in Riley County for soil conservation, beef production and a Balanced Farm & Family Living award.

He was involved in 4-H as a youth and served as the first president of their newly-formed Magic 4-H Club. He continued that involvement through the years with his children and grandchildren.  He served on the Riley Co. Extension Board; Kansas Crop Improvement Board of Directors; Ottawa Co-Op Board; and Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce committees.

Wes and Bertha were very active antique collectors. They traveled and attended many antique auto and tractor shows and tours through the years. They were members of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America, Ottawa Antique Auto Club and Power of the Past. Wes was very proud of his restored 1930 Packard Touring and was seen quite often at parades and driving newlyweds from their weddings.

Wes had a very strong faith and was active in the Magic Methodist Church, Riley Methodist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church of Ottawa.

He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Bertha, of the home; two sons, Russell and his wife, Sandy of Ottawa, and Clyde and his wife, Debra of Ottawa; daughter, Janice Chapman and her husband, Wayne, of Haines City, Florida; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Duane; four brothers; and seven sisters.

Funeral services will be at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2008, where family and friends will meet from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. prior to the service.

Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Sylvester at the Dengel & Son Mortuary from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Graveside services will be at Riley Cemetery in Riley at 4 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2008.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Christian Care Cottage or Trinity United Methodist Church, in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa KS 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.