Robert H. ‘Bob’ Sylvester, 71, Wabasha

 Robert H. ‘Bob’ Sylvester, age 71, of Wabasha, died peacefully with his family at his side on Friday, September 29, 2017 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Wabasha. He had a hard fought ten year battle with lymphoma. He was born October 1, 1945 in Wabasha, the son of Elmer and Lois (Van Houten) Sylvester, one of thirteen closely bonded children. He grew up in Theilman, MN and attended country school where the close friendships he formed there always held a special place in his heart. He graduated from Wabasha High School in 1963. After high school he enlisted and proudly served in the U. S. Navy as an airplane mechanic from 1963-1966. He served mainly in Japan and the Midway Islands.
 He married the love of his life, Carol Miller, August 16, 1969 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Conception, rural Kellogg. Together they shared 48 wonderful years together raising their five children: Mike, Melissa, Jim, Jeff and Becky in the Wabasha area. He was a dedicated husband and father who spent most of his time finding and enjoying the simple things in life. Many memories were made swimming and roller skating at Whippoorwill Campground with family and friends. He always led by example that family came first and time spent with family was the most valuable.
 Bob worked as an electrician for many years. He shared many fond memories with his work crew, especially his crew from Adair Electric at the Mayo Clinic. He felt they were his second family. After retiring in 2007 because of his illness he continued his passions of flying, farming, fixing engines and his frequent visits with his coffee crew friends each morning.
 Bob had a way of living each day to the fullest and he had a positive impact on everyone he encountered. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren. His laughter and love for life will be missed by all his family and friends. His absence will leave an indelible hole in the hearts of all the people who knew him.
 Bob is survived by his wife, Carol Sylvester, Wabasha, MN; five children, Mike (Amber) Sylvester, Conception, rural Kellogg, MN, Melissa (Jon) Passe, Zumbrota, MN, Jim (Ann) Sylvester, Brownsville, MN, Jeff (Amy) Sylvester, Lakeville, MN, and Becky (Jon) Klug, Plainview, MN; 12 adoring grandchildren; eight siblings, Dorothy (Laverne) Boyd, Don (Shirley) Sylvester, Russell (Leigh) Sylvester, Jerry (Linda) Sylvester, Rich (Laurie) Sylvester, Elmer Sylvester, Elaine (Lonnie) Ludwigson and Lisa (Jim) Kostuck; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Lois Sylvester, brothers, Ronald, and William and twin siblings who died as infants.
 A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 1:30pm at St. Felix Cemetery. Military rites will be performed by the Wabasha American Legion Post #50, the Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post #4086 and the MNARNG Honor Guard. Following the service at the cemetery everyone is invited to the Theilman Opera House in Theilman for refreshments and a time to spend together celebrating Bob’s life. The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements. www.abbottfh.com