Richard Sylvester was born March 27, 1931, in Hartford Township, Todd County, to Leo & Gertrude (Drayna) Gonsior.  After his graduation from Browerville High School, he moved to the twin cities to work.   Richard was drafted into the US Army on July 11, 1952; he was honorably discharged on July 9, 1954.  Richard was awarded two bronze stars for his service.  On November 1, 1952, Richard married Norma Olmschenk in Missouri.

After being discharged Richard and Norma lived in the twin cities area where he worked as a sanitary milk driver.  After his mother’s death in 1961, Richard and Norma moved their family back to Browerville to take over the family farm.  Richard farmed until his retirement in 1997.  He and Norma then moved to Clarissa where he worked part time for the City of Clarissa.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; son Richard, grandson J.D., great granddaughter Cierra and sister Lucille Koval.  He is survived by his wife Norma; children:  Vicky (Keith) Larson, Deb (Mike) Piere, Leann (Thad) Olson, Craig (Barb) Gonsior, daughter-in-law Arlis Gonsior and brother Joe Gonsior; 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.