Sylvester Mechavich, 97, Foley

March 26, 1917 - November 14, 2014

Sylvester Mechavich, age 97, of Foley died Friday, November 14, 2014 at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at St. John's Catholic Church, Foley. The Rev. Daniel Walz will officiate. Burial with full Military Honors will be in the Parish Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 Monday at the Foley Funeral Home in Foley and one hour prior to the service at the church. Parish Prayers will be at 6 PM Monday evening at the funeral home. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.

Sylvester Mechavich was born March 26, 1917 in St. Cloud, MN to Joseph and Martha (Tomporowski) Mechavich. He married Rose Chapp on June 14, 1938 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Gilman. The couple celebrated 76 years of marriage together. He was a US Army Veteran of WWII. He served at Normandy Beach, Sept-Dec, 1944 and was wounded in action at the Battle of the Bulge while serving as squad leader. He lost both his eyes to a grenade and suffered many physical disabilities. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Silver Star along with many other battlefield accommodations. Despite his injuries, after returning home he went on to live a full and active lifestyle and never questioned the service to his country and devotion to his family. Sylvester frequently communicated with Sen. Amy Klobuchar on issues relating to disabled veterans causes. In his younger years, Syl was an accomplished athlete playing both softball and amateur baseball. Syl built many birdhouses and bird feeders, fixed lawnmowers for many years and shoveled his own sidewalk. He was also well know for decorating his house with Christmas lights, many times winning the town competition. He enjoyed listening to sports on the radio and is fondly remembered for playing the accordion for many senior citizens and veterans organizations. He was a life member of the VFW, Post 428 the Foley American Legion, Post 298 and St. John's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his daughters and son; Theresa (Fran) Diederichs, St. Cloud; Angeline (Bob) Diederichs, St. Cloud; Jerome 'Yum' (Charlotte), Foley and Rose Ann (Jack) Murn, Sauk Rapids; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, sisters, Dolores Jomar, Neveda; Louise Westbrock, Orlando, FL and brother, Joseph, Long Lake, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Rose, June 24, 2014, infant daughter, Brenda, brother, Larry and sister, Josephine Goenner.