Richard Stanley Sylvester

Richard Sylvester, age 87, of Barnesville, MN, died on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Emmanual Ecumen Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN with Rev. Ali Haugerud officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at City Cemetery following the service. Visitation will begin at 10 AM on Thursday at the church.

Richard Stanley Sylvester was born on September 18, 1938, to George and Helen (Olsonoski) Sylvester in Kennedy, MN. He grew up the youngest boy of five children. He played Football and Basketball in his high school days.

Following school, he joined the Marines in 1957 and honorably served his country. He returned home to Minnesota and would meet Andrea Norby. They would be married on May 2, 1964, and they lived their early years of marriage in Hallock and Moorhead, MN before settling in Barnesville, MN in 1968. Richard would work at the Norby Department Store for a few years and then his entrepreneurial spirit led him to operating for several years Dick’s Dad and Lad in Barnesville. Richard’s gift to talk to anyone would lead him into a lifelong career of sales, traveling all over North Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota.

Over the years, Richard served on the Barnesville City Council for over 18 years on his first term, and after retirement he would serve a second stint. He was a proud father and supported Cortney and Alex in their activities along with his grandchildren as they grew up. Over the years he enjoyed many hobbies including bowling, skiing, growing beautiful gardens, whittling wood objects, and crocheting blankets.

He is survived by his two children: Cortney (Carol) Sylvester of the Rosemount, MN, and Alex (Bobby) Ishaug of Barnesville, MN, two grandchildren: Tori (Jason Sanchez) Ishaug, and Blake Ishaugr, two sisters: Lois Davis of Michigan, and Jeanette Lysefjord of Idaho, companion Eileen Whitfield of Barnesville, and several nieces, nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Andrea in 2016, his parents George and Helen Sylvester, one infant brother, and one sister Marlene Peterson.

Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with Richard’s service. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KorsmoFuneralService.com