- Date Of Birth: December 3, 1928
- Date Of Death: October 3, 2016
- State: Minnesota
Sylvester “Syl” Narlock, 87, of Warren, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2016, in North Valley Health Center, Warren, surrounded by his loving family.
Sylvester Bernard was born on December 3, 1928, in rural Oslo, ND, to Harry and Mary (Rapacz) Narlock. He grew up on the family farm with his 11 siblings, and graduated from Oslo (MN) High School in 1946. In December of 1951, Syl entered the US Army, serving in the 15th Infantry’s tank division during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant, Syl returned home to work on the family farm, but spent his winters in southern California working for Douglas Aircraft Company.
Syl met LaVonne Orlene Rustan at a dance in Grafton. They fell in love and were married, on June 1, 1961, in St. John Catholic Church, Grafton. The young couple then moved to rural Warren, where they farmed and raised their children. In the early years in addition to farming, Syl worked during the winters and evenings at Pillsbury in Grand Forks, American Crystal in East Grand Forks, and even worked road crew during the construction of I-29.
He was active in the community, and was a longtime member of both the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion, was on the Warrenton Twp. Board, and in 1988, he received the Master Farmer award. He served his church on the parish and finance councils. Sylvester’s deep faith was the center of his life. Always a faithful Catholic, he returned from a trip to Medjugorje an inspired man, finding more time in his day for prayer and sharing his faith with others.
Syl is survived by seven children, Diane (Brian) Rokke of Newfolden, MN, Jerry (Connie) Narlock of Eagan, MN, Carol (John) Novacek , Donald (Denelle) Narlock , Dean (Annabelle) Narlock, Janice (Todd) Mortimer all of Warren, and Darrel (Amanda) Narlock of Fargo, ND; twenty-one grandchildren; and siblings, Danny Narlock of Grand Forks, ND, and Eleanor Bergeron, of Warren; sisters-in-law, Esther, Dorothy, and Seline Narlock; brother-in-law, Ernie Schanilec; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne; siblings, Francis, Margaret, Marian, Sr. Cecelianne, Richard, Dorothy, Joe, Andrew, and Joyce; and several brothers-and-sisters-in-law.
Military Honors By: Warren American Legion, Post #27; and the Minnesota National Guard.