Maurice "Maury" Sylvester

Maurice "Maury" Sylvester, 98, of Bellwood, passed away December 10, 2018 at Countryside Manor in Madison, NE.


Memorials: Family Wishes

Maurice Dale Sylvester was born on December 30th, 1919 to Jesse & Ethyl (Carpenter) Sylvester in Kalona, Iowa. In 1931, he moved to David City with his family to follow the company his father was working for.
Maurice attended grade school & high school in Bellwood, graduating in 1938. During high school, he met the love of his life Betty Lou Gunderson and was united in marriage on June 20th, 1941.
Maurice and Betty moved to Lincoln Nebraska where he worked for the Railroad. It was the unfortunate time of WWII & in 1943 Maurice received his draft papers from Fort Crook & was to report to Chicago for basic training, in which Betty accompanied him. From there, he was called for further duty over-seas. Betty had to sadly say good bye and head back to Nebraska. Maurice took a train to New York and boarded a ship to England. He served over-seas for 19 months with the 777th Antiaircraft Battalion in France, Belgium, & Germany. He drove a halftrack, mounting a 4-50 caliber machine gun used for defense against enemy aircraft & personal. He was a member of General George Patton’s “Super Sixth”. The “Super Sixth” crossed the Rhine River in Germany and received word that the war had ended. Maurice was honorably discharged from the army at Leavenworth Kansas in 1945.
After returning home, Maurice continued his love of carpentry and eventually retired in 1981.
Maurice & Betty enjoyed every moment together riding motorcycles, attending car races, spending time with family, friends & grandchildren. Maurice was not only a hero but a very compassionate, loving, honorable, gentle man, extending a hand to anyone that needed it. He also spent many years volunteering on the Bellwood Volunteer Fire Department.
Maurice & Betty were proudly and lovingly married for 69 years. To this union, 3 children were born: James, Terry & Susan.
Maurice is survived by his children James (Nicole) Sylvester of David City, Terry (Karen) Sylvester of Bellwood, Susan (Marty) Birkel of Bellwood, one sister; Norma June Ronkar of David City. 10 Grandchildren- Jamie Sylvester, Jessica (Matt) Richards, Jennifer (Anthony) Cook, Jaydn & Sydni Sylvester, Corey (Jenny) Sylvester, Jason (Jessica) Sylvester, Amber (Chad) Wiedeman, Heath (Justina) Birkel, Hadley (Tena) Birkel. 8 Great-grandchildren- Broderick Sylvester, Cade Richards, Tractin Cook, Walker Birkel, Jackson & Jaylynn Sylvester, Jazmen & Bo Birkel and many nieces and nephews.
Maurice was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, in 2010,
2 brothers, and 2 grandchildren; Shannon Sylvester & Heather Birkel.