Kenneth H. Sylvester, 91, of Alpena passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.
Kenneth was born June 6, 1932, in Alpena to the late Hector and Mable (Miller) Sylvester. He was the oldest of two sons. His brother Earling was not born yet when his father Hector died at the age of 28 in 1934. On May 24, 1952, he married June (Sawyer) Fisher at Grace Lutheran Church in Alpena. They had two children, Kevin and Vicki.
Kenneth started his career as a physical chemist in the laboratory at Huron Portland Cement in 1950. In 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Combat Engineers from 1952-1954. Ken retired from Huron Portland Cement with 37 years of service and continued working for Lafarge Corporation, retiring in 1991.
Ken loved to travel and he and June took many trips abroad. He wintered in Port Richey, Florida. His hobbies were dancing and bowling on the Huron Portland Bowling Team. Ken liked to hunt and was a member of the Huron Portland Hunting Club. He was a life member of V.F.W. and a member of Eagles and Elks clubs.
Surviving are his beloved wife, June of 71 years; son, Kevin (Debra) Sylvester; daughter, Vicki (William) Keller; 4 grandchildren, Felonie (Bradley) Somers, James Keller, Lynelle (Andrew) Hayes, Cody (Macy) Sylvester; 7 great grandchildren, Lola Keller, Easton Hayes, Brielle Hayes, Zuri Somers, Zennon Somers, Brixon Sylvester, and Liv Sylvester.
Ken was preceded in death by his stepfather, Martin Sommerfeld and his brother, Earling “Butch” Sylvester.
Memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church – Alpena from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 noon with Rev. John Shipman officiating, followed by military honors by VFW Alpena Post 2496. Arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.
Inurnment: Evergreen Cemetery
Memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church or Alpena Boys and Girls Club
