Sylvester Joseph Koerber, of Argyle, was born on February 13, 1924, in Maries County, a son of George G. and Louise L. (Luecke) Koerber, and departed this life at 9:56 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2019, at Maries Manor, Vienna.  He had attained the age of 95 years, 1 month, and 9 days.

On February 10, 1943, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, Sylvester entered into active federal service in the United States Army and served until February 5, 1946. He was honorably discharged at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, at the rank of Private First Class of the 878th Airborne Engineer Aviation Battalion. While in the Army, his military occupational specialty was that of "Truck Driver Light."  Sylvester was awarded a Bronze Star for his service during the Rhineland Campaign. He was also awarded and entitled to wear the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon, the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, three overseas bars, and the Victory Ribbon and lapel button.  A man of excellent character, Sylvester's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country during World War II.

Sylvester was a lifetime parishioner of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Vienna. During his life he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8045 and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2047, both in Argyle.  At the time of his passing, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 13178 in Vienna.  He and his brother, Lawrence, were major benefactors in the construction of the Knights of Columbus Council 13178 building which is known as Koerber Hall and serves as a legacy to their memory and generosity.

Sylvester was a lifelong livestock and crop farmer on the family farm, a Missouri Century Farm, located in Maries County along the Big Maries between Vienna and Argyle, prior to his retirement. Additionally, Sylvester had a love for his local community, an outgoing personality, a good sense of humor, and a twinkle in his eye.

Those left to mourn the passing of Sylvester include nephews: Mark and Jim (Dorothea) Ryan; Tony (Ging), Tom (Kathy), Paul (Mary), and Pete Valentine; nieces:  Grace Valentine and Barb (Don) Washburn; great-nephews:  Dan, Tim, and Neal (Maddie) Ryan; Brian and Andy Washburn; Dominic Valentine; great-nieces:  Monica Ryan; Vanessa Valentine; Katie Washburn; Clara Valentine; other relatives and many friends.  The family gratefully recognizes the love and support of his wonderful neighbors and friends who have gone above and beyond to care for and support Uncle Sylvester over the years.  You are true gems!  Thank you.

He was preceded in death by his father: George; his mother: Louise; brothers: Victor, Cornelius, and Lawrence Koerber; and sisters: Mary Ann Kissel, Viola Ryan, Theresa Valentine, and Virginia McCormick; nephew: Benjamin Schultz.

Visitation for Mr. Sylvester J. Koerber will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019, with a Prayer Service led by Deacon Doug Hemke at 6:00 p.m. and a Rosary Service led by the Knights of Columbus at 7:30 p.m. in the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 406 South Main Street, Vienna, Missouri  65582.

Visitation will also be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, in the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 101 North Main Street, Vienna, Missouri  65582.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Sylvester J. Koerber will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, in the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 101 North Main Street, Vienna, Missouri  65582 with the Rev. Matthew Flatley as the Celebrant and the Acolytes to be Ashton Stratman, Dani Murphy, Morgan Murphy, and Troy Wulff. The eulogy will be delivered by Victor Stratman.

Interment, with full military honors being handled by the Freeburg Post, will be in the Visitation Cemetery, Vienna, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna.  Pallbearers for Mr. Koerber will be Tom Valentine, Paul Valentine, Pete Valentine, Jim Ryan, Neal Ryan, and Dennis Shirk. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Tony Valentine and Matt Stratman. Taps will be played by Ashton Stratman.

Memorials of Mr. Sylvester J. Koerber are suggested to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Inter-Parish School or Visitation Cemetery with envelopes available at the church and funeral home or directed in care of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri  65582.