Sylvester Oles

Sylvester Oles, 91, of Berrien Springs passed away Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Heritage Chapel & Cremation Services, 8747 US 31 Berrien Springs. Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Berrien County Veterans Services. Those wishing to sign Sylvester’s guestbook may do so online at www.heritage-chapel.com. Sylvester was born December 31, 1922 in Calumet City, IL to Frank & Anna (Smykel) Oles. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1941. On January 22, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on June 15, 1945. On June 17, 1968 he married Edith Thompson.  He retired from Heath Corp. on April 22, 1982 where he worked as a Maintenance Technician. Sylvester was a member of Pioneer Memorial SDA Church in Berrien Springs. He enjoyed gardening, bird watching, photography, and gadgets. He always said food was his favorite pastime and he enjoyed pairing the phrase “top-of-the-line” with just about anything. He was a very kind-hearted man and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Edith, children David Shultz of Berrien Springs, Dan Shultz (Michelle Davis) of Rockford, and Lori (Drex) Little of Wolfforth, TX; grandchildren Heather (Garret), Kali (Ryan), Jeff (Yesi), Jon, Lucas, and Benjamin; 5 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Eileen Oles. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Steve Shultz in 2002, siblings Joe, Vincent, Frank Jr., Betty, Margie, Tom, Verna, and Gregory.