Dan E. Sylvester, 71, died Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in the presence of his daughter, Shawna Dodge at Kewanee Care Center, Kewanee, Ill.
Born in Burlington, Iowa, on Feb. 13, 1953, he was the son of Ross E. and Dorothy Downey Sylvester. He married Kathy Henry (Meck) on Aug. 20, 1977. They later divorced in May of 1994. He later married a second time to Janie Blint but divorced after two years.
Dan graduated in 1971 from Danville High School with honors. He started work at General Electric a few years after graduation, working in Fab, Tool & Die for over 35 plus years, at which he retired.
He never knew a stranger with his smile and sense of humor. Dan loved playing pool, the outdoors, hunting mushrooms, deer, pheasant, especially fishing, being his favorite. He spent much time with his daughter, Shawna Dodge and grandson, Hunter Coakley fishing together. Dan was also a great cook and enjoyed sharing with his family and friends along with having many laughs and conversations. He was especially proud of his two beautiful grandkids, Hunter and Alivia Coakley.
He is survived by his daughter Shawna Dodge (Sylvester) of Denmark, Iowa and two grandchildren, Hunter Coakley and Alivia Coakley both of Rock Island, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers David Sylvester and Robert Sylvester, one sister Diane K. McDowell, two half -sisters, Dorothy Downey and Mary Dean and one half-brother Kenny Sylvester.
Cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Correspondence with the family can be mailed to Shawna Dodge c/o PO Box 187, Denmark, IA, 52624. A memorial is being established for Dan’s grandkids college education.