Sylvester A. "Kelly" Gaedtke, 91, Walhain, passed away Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 3, 2009, at San Luis Medical & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born Nov. 20, 1917, to the late Edwin and Amanda (Doell) Gaedtke.

He married Bertha Dart on Feb. 27, 1946, at St. Martin Church in Tonet.

Kelly served his country with the United States Army in World War II, spending 15 months on the front line. He received five battle stars and was wounded in France, receiving a Purple Heart.

Sylvester was employed at Liebman Packing until it closed, then worked for the Kewaunee County Highway Dept. until retirement. He drove school bus for seven years following his retirement and enjoyed the children on his bus route. Sylvester was a member of the American Legion Ralph Kline Post 262, Luxemburg.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bertha; one daughter and one son-in-law, Jill and Randy Bosman, Walhain; two grandsons and their spouses, Barry and Kelly Bosman, Brad and Kim Bosman; four great-grandchildren, Kayla, Kailey, Bryce and Bailey Bosman; one brother and two sisters-in-law, Marvin and Norma Gaedtke, Marian Gaedtke, all of Luxemburg; nieces and nephews.

Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Melvin Gaedtke; one sister and one brother-in-law, Vernetta and Eddie Bosdeck; one nephew, Wayne Bosdeck; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilbert and Alice Dart.

Friends may call at the McMAHON FUNERAL HOME, LUXEMBURG, 3:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, (Today) Nov. 5, 2009. American Legion Ralph Kline Post 262 Memorial Service 5:30 p.m. Parish prayer service 7 p.m. Visitation will continue after 10 a.m. Friday at St. John Lutheran Church in Luxemburg. Funeral 11 a.m. at the church with Rev. Carl Brewer officiating. Full Military rites led by the American Legion Ralph Kline Post 262 will follow the funeral service at the church. Entombment in the Shrine of The Good Shepherd Mausoleum, Green Bay.