John W. Sylvester

Entered his birth into eternity Friday, October 16, 2009, surrounded by family at home. AKA Jack or Chic, was born during a thunderstorm on August 4, 1924, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. His birth actually hit the front page of the Manitowoc newspaper! His parents Walter and Marie Sylvester (nee Stutschies) of Wauwatosa preceded him in death. John graduated high school from Wauwatosa East in 1942. After serving in the Army stationed in Kansas, Hollywood and Oregon, he attended UW extension Milwaukee. He worked for WTMJ television when the medium was in its infancy. His next job was to be his last, as an Engineering Technician for the US Soil Conservation Service for 32 years. John met Doris A. Koslosky through mutual friends in 1947. On their second date, John slid on some ice and the car crashed into a tree. Doris continued dating him anyway! John and Doris were married in Milwaukee, on June 24, 1949.They restored a turn of the century home on 70th Street in Wauwatosa, living there for 12 years. Transferred to Madison in 1964, he lived out the second half of his life but never forgetting his Wauwatosa roots.Following retirement, John and Doris purchased a travel trailer, exploring the US and Canada. He loved to hunt, fish, golf, bowl and created beautiful stained glass. John and Doris labored many hours in the yard. "Sylvester's Pond" and flower gardens made the Wisconsin State Journal. Dahlias were his favorite flower. He volunteered for many years at Meriter Hospital and Rehab. He's survived by his wife of 60 years Doris, daughters Jane M. and Julie A., and son John A. "Sly". John loved dogs, owning 9 in total, including Barkley who's comforting the family. Visitation will be Saturday, October 24, at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by burial at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee. A second memorial will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – West Campus, 7291 Hwy PD Verona, Wisconsin on Sunday, November 15, 2009, 1:00 PM. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, St. Mary's Adult Day Health Center in Madison or Hospice Care of Dane County. The family appreciates all the care and support provided for John.