Sylvester Joseph Wille

Sylvester Joseph Wille, age 86, of Garnavillo, IA, died Saturday, June 11, 2011, at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital. He was born the son of William and Regina (Schaefers) Wille on May 23, 1925 on the home farm between Guttenberg and Garnavillo. Sylvester received his education from the St. Joseph Catholic School in Garnavillo. At age 14 Sylvester started his farming career which lasted 61 years until he retired at the age of 75. On January 20 1962, Sylvester married Darlene Ruzek at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Monona. They were later blessed with two children. When Sylvester wasnt farming he made good use of his free time. He was a member of the Clayton County Farm Bureau for over 60 years. He was membership chairman for three successful membership campaigns. In 1968, Sylvester encouraged tourism through his Farm Vacation Project "Bar W. Ranch" and he headed the Clayton County Tourism Council. As Farm Bureaus Local Affairs Chairman in 1971, Sylvester was instrumental in getting the Clayton Grain Terminal established in Clayton Iowa. Sylvester was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus and he and Darlene are both Lay Ministers for the Catholic Church. Sylvester was also Religious Education Teacher and taught confirmation students. He was treasurer of the Garnavillo Fire Company and was active in the Clayton County Democrats. Sylvester will be forever cherished by his wife Darlene; son, Terry (Cindy) Wille; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Zinckgraf, Caine, Chelsay and Jenny Wille; one great grandson Michael Sylvester Wille; four siblings, Paul Wille, Philomine Stewart, Ruth (Ed) Kiefer, Georgina (Lynn) Caslavka and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Eva Regina Zinckgraf; three sisters, Clarissa McLane, Gertrude Clausing, Cecilia Wille; one brother in infancy; sister in law, Ve Wille; brothers in law, Dale Clausing, Loraine McLane and Don Stewart.In Lieu of flowers and all types of gifts memorials are preferred to be sent to either the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Building Fund or the Garnavillo Historical Society.Visitation: Tuesday 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. June 14, 2011 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Garnavillo, Iowa and one hour before service at church. There will be a Rosary at 3:30 P.M.Funeral Service: Wednesday 11:00 A.M. June 15, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church Garnavillo, IowaInterment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Garnavillo, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available