Sylvia Jean Iler Schlaht, age 89 of Burke, SD passed away due to a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021 at Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, surrounded by her children.
Funeral services were held Nov. 20 at the United Methodist Church in Burke with pastor Sarah Hermann officiating.
Burial was in the Herrick Cemetery.
Sylvia “Syb” was born Aug. 19, 1932 in Tripp, SD to James Marvin and Mary Minnie (Reiner) Iler, the third of four children. She spent her early years enjoying life on the family homestead NW of Dallas, SD. She spoke with fondness of her freedom to explore the outdoors, tending the animals, churning butter, riding her pony and family trips to town every Saturday.
Sylvia received her elementary education at the country school near the family home, riding her pony the mile or two to and from school, and in Dallas, SD, while staying with her grandparents. She attended Burke High School. These years were full of treatment for scoliosis, wearing various painful back braces and built up shoes in attempts of straightening her spine. She would tell her family in the following years, after many back surgeries, to “stand up straight, put your shoulders back”, knowing the gift it was to have the luxury of a good back and posture. She would always display resilience and never see her scoliosis as a hindrance. Sylvia was active in choir and planning social activities. She graduated in 1950. Sylvia maintained her classmate friendships until her passing.
Sylvia was swept off her feet by the handsome, Maurice Schlaht. They were married Dec. 21, 1952. The dancing and devout love for each other would last nearly 60 wonderful years, until Maurie’s passing in 2010. To this union, five children were born, Maurice, Gregg, Melinda, Brenda and Jody. Maurie and Syb resided in Burke all of their married life, with the exception of 2 years in Spokane, WA. Sylvia worked at Wischmann’s Dry Goods, in various Gregory County offices, ASCS, PCA-Farm Credit Services, Burke Hospital and Clinic until retiring in 1995.
Sylvia was lovingly devoted to her husband and family. She treasured spending time together as a family: going to church, enjoying meals, and having picnics. Syb partnered with Maurie’s love of hunting and fishing. She cleaned many geese, pheasants and fish. She enjoyed watching her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s milestones, events and sporting outings. Everyone received a big smile and a hug from her walking in the door.
Acts of kindness were always on Syb’s mind, wondering what she could do for or give to others. She enjoyed socializing and had fun being witty and kidding people. She found pleasure in sewing, quilting, crafting, gardening, canning, puzzles, reading, and baking: bread, buns, kolaches, runzas, pies, caramel rolls, plachenda, knepfla to name a few of her specialties. The preparation and participation in Burke Farmers Market was always a highlight of her summers.
Sylvia was a strong Christian and faithful active member of United in Faith Parish United Methodist Church in Burke, holding many offices and positions. United Methodist Women, 60 plus year member of Graceland Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.
Left to cherish her memory: two sons, Maurice (Cheryl) Schlaht, Gregory, SD, Gregg (Joan) Schlaht, Deadwood, SD, two daughters, Brenda (Arlyn) Klundt, Winner, SD and Jody (Pat) O’Brien., Okoboji, IA. Grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss their loving Granny who adored them: Ben (Amber) Schlaht, The Colony, TX, Brandon Schlaht, Rapid City, SD, Amy (Braedon) Petersen, Deadwood, SD, Grant Schlaht, Slayton, MN, Whit Kruse Luverne, MN, Jennifer Kruse, Dominic and Olivia Luverne, MN, Austin (Hailey) Klundt, Evan and Sylvia, Winner, SD, Josh (Sherry) Klundt, Beckett and Oaklynn, Sioux Falls, SD, and Grace Grommesh, Vermillion, SD, sister-in-law Jane Schlaht Portland, OR, brother-in-law, Bert Dickman, NY and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death, parents Marvin and Mary Iler, brothers Orvis James and Calvin Marvin, sister Donna Canon, step father Paul Kimball, husband Maurice, daughter, Melinda Jean, granddaughter Hope, furry friend, Millie, and many sisters-in law and brothers-in-law, and nephew. Syb will be greatly missed. As she would frequently say, “make it a good day!”
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