Sylvester M. Day

Sylvester M. Day, 91, passed away peacefully April 23 in Gaylord.

            He was born February 1, 1933 in Alden, to the late Fred and Ruby (Vancamp) Day. 

            While attending Rapid City High School, he was a member of the Navy Reserves. During the Korean Conflict, he was called up for active duty for two years, which he served in Norfolk, Virginia as a corpsman in the hospital. Returning home from duty, he worked at the Traverse City State Hospital as a nurse for 30 years. During his employment, he drove a school bus for the Traverse City and Kalkaska area schools.

            On January 22, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Barber, in Rapid City.

            Sylvester is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son Michael (Marletta) Day, Rapid City; daughters Kathy (Day) Hamaker, Cadillac and Gale (Kurt) Tucker, Gaylord; 8 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. There are also 16 nieces and nephews, plus many great nieces and nephews that were always special to him.

            He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings: brothers Joseph, George, Kenny and Phillip Day; and sisters Evelyn Tuller, Ardis Tuller, Lorena Brooks and Betty Sinke Billings.

            Sylvester enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and raising a large vegetable garden. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren and introduced many of them to hunting and fishing. He was a versatile handyman, helping build both of their family homes. He also helped his family members with building and repair projects. After retirement, he worked installing furnaces with a local contractor, and janitorial services with the local school.

            Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mancelona Baptist Church where he was a member.  Pastor Dave McCarthy will officiate.  Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Graveside Services with Military Honors will take place Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Clearwater Township Cemetery, in Clearwater Township, MI.  

            Arrangements are under the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com