Sylvia A. Kielman

Sylvia Ann Kielman went to her heavenly home early Saturday morning on August 9th, 2025. Sylvia was born to Alfred G. and Hazel (Behm) Smith on February 9th, 1934, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Sylvia had an especially close bond with her older sister, Anita, who helped raise her and her brother, Al, after their mother passed away when Sylvia was a child. Their father worked for the Soo Line Railroad, and Syl spoke fondly of the summers when she rode the train by herself from Fond du Lac to Chippewa Falls to visit her grandparents. Sylvia graduated from Horace Mann High School, North Fond du Lac, WI, Class of 1952. On December 13th, 1952, Sylvia married Kenneth V. Kielman at the Church of Our Savior in Fond du Lac. Syl and Ken generously shared the passion of their faith being actively involved in their congregation, Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, throughout their almost 60 years of marriage, and they filled their home with energetic schnauzer dogs they loved like children. Sylvia worked for Hills Beauty Salon and First National Casualty Company. She spent the majority of her career working as a secretary for the Fond du Lac School District retiring in 1997, and she regularly attended annual Christmas and retirement parties with dear coworkers long after. Sylvia had a quick-witted sense of humor and feisty spirit as testimony to her remarkably beating cancer twice. Syl was a talented knitter gifting hats for children and dozens of baby blankets to newly baptized babies until her eyes no longer cooperated keeping stitches on needles. She was socially active belonging to her church’s Ladies Society, knitting circles, and exercise groups. She was often spotted walking around the neighborhood block. She was even known to sometimes shovel snow before the crack of dawn. She liked catching up with friends over the phone, running errands, and going out for dinner especially for a Friday perch fish fry. Some of Syl’s favorites: pershing donuts, A&W root beer, Culver’s onion rings and Turtle sundaes loaded with pecans, and cheese curds coupled with a little tapper of beer. Although Sylvia’s final years may have slowed her down, she enjoyed sitting on her front porch chatting with neighbors and the mail person keeping tabs on the street. She was an avid sports fan listening to Brewers baseball and Packers football games on her battery-operated radio. Syl was thrilled to have her first and only Lambeau Field experience at the age of 83! Sylvia maintained her home living independently until almost 90 years old with the assistance of family, friends, church members, and especially David, her nephew and helpful neighbor. When macular degeneration slowly robbed Syl’s vision and ability to drive, “her keeper” niece, Mary, whom she loved like her daughter, and Rev. Ed Schuppe, dear friend and the son she wished for, whether in person or over the phone, remained faithfully supportive and constantly present in Syl’s life. Sylvia is survived by her sister-in-law, Rosalyn Schwark, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her sister, and her husband, Kenny. We wish to extend deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the ladies of Hospice, the staff of The Manor, and all the special people who came to sit and pray with Sylvia. She knew you were with her, and your presence was comforting. “The long road ends, the journey’s done, at last I’m home, the setting sun. A weary heart, now finds its rest, with loved ones near, truly blessed.” VISITATION: The family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 606 Forest Avenue, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, with Rev. Chris Rathje and Rev. Edward Schuppe officiating. Entombment to follow at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum.

Sylvia A. Kielman

February 9, 1934 - August 9, 2025