Daniel Sylvester

Daniel Lee Sylvester, age 92, of Central Lake, passed away at his home on June 25, 2020.  Daniel grew up during the depression in Lisle, IL; and it was during this time that he felt the charity of the family doctor, who treated him for an ailment without charge.

In February 1944, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy, and was honorably discharged after the end of WW2 in November, 1945.  He was proud of his service, proud of the Flag, and proud of this country.

After his discharge from the Navy, Dan worked for the CB&Q Railroad for many years.  He worked as a laborer, and finally earned his Barber License in 1960. He eventually moved to Central Lake , where he owned Dan’s Barber Shop until he retired in 1993.

Daniel married Bonnie Craig on July 2, 1993, and would have been married 27 years in July.  Dan is survived by his wife Bonnie, his Nephew Timothy Sylvester, and great niece Katie Sylvester (as well as many nieces and nephews thru marriage).  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wallace, his first wife Joyce Risteau, and his best buddy, Woodrow, his faithful Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Dan raced motorcycles on a flat track in the 1950s, and his love for motorcycles continued until he could no longer ride at age 88.  He also shot and competed in Skeet and Trap, both at local clubs and out of state, and continued the shooting sports until his mid-80s.

Dan loved to travel, spending time in various states, as well as England, Scotland, Wales and his favorite country, Ireland.  He loved both Celtic and Country music.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, July 2, at 12 noon at St. Luke Catholic Church with Fr. Chet Collins officiating.  The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in Southern Cemetery.

Dan was a quiet but proud supporter of various charities, but especially those involving children, St Jude’s Hospital for Children and Shriners Hospital in Chicago were his favorite.  Please consider those charities in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.

“The hardest part of losing someone isn’t having to say goodbye, but rather learning to live without them, always trying to fill the void, the emptiness that’s left inside your heart, when they go.”

Good Night sweet Prince and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.