Sylvester Francis Posch

Sylvester Francis Posch passed away in the early morning hours of September 5, 2018.

Sylvester was born in Colwich, Kansas, June 23, 1930 to Herman and Annie (Betzen) Posch. The fifth of nine brothers and sisters, Syl grew up on a farm near Severy, Kansas, and said that he drove the horses, ploughing the fields, when he was six years old. He left school after the eighth grade to farm full time with his dad, but later completed his GED.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and especially enjoyed his time in Germany, where he was the supply clerk.
Syl married Marilyn Purthena Osburn on April 23, 1960. For three years they lived on a farm near Fall River, where their first two children were born, until moving to Lawrence in early 1964.

He worked in KU Police and Parking until retiring in 1995, and then for many years he delivered floral and pharmacy for Dillon’s. He enjoyed watching Downton Abbey and Midsomer Murder on TV, but one of his greatest pleasures was meeting friends and visiting over coffee at the McDonald’s on 23rd Street.

He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. In his desk, he kept the prayer book from his service years, and just a few weeks ago spoke of going to Mass every Sunday, even while in the service.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; six children: Leo (Susan) of McLouth, John of Topeka, Amy (John) of Liberty, MO, and Angela, Mark (Loretta) and Sarah of Lawrence; eight grandchildren: Ben, Anne, Davis, Madison, Savannah, Caroline, Johnathan and Sierra; one sister, Barbara (of Hawthorne, CA) two brothers, Mike and Frederick (of Wichita), his sisters-in-law Dottie Posch of Independence, KS, and Nancy Sehgal of Arlington, TX, and many nieces and nephews.

Five brothers, Johnny, Vince, Donald and Herman; and one sister, Irene, proceeded him in death. He wished to be cremated and buried near family in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fredonia, KS. He looked forward to joining them in heaven.