He was born in Le Mars, Iowa to Leo and Alma Wilhelmi. He graduated from Iowa State University (ISU) in 1951, where he lettered in football and basketball. In 1988, he was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Basketball Hall of Fame. He also met his beloved wife, Mary Charlotte Harris, at ISU. They were married for 64 years and raised 5 children before she passed away in 2014. They had full, well lived lives!
Sy was an avid sports fan; he loved watching basketball, football, baseball and golf.
Sy is survived by 3 children: Sylvia, Thomas (Mindy), and Nancy; 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Their daughter, Theresa, passed away in 2017 and their daughter, Kathryn, passed away in 1987.
As an Artillery officer in the U.S. Army, he served in combat tours in Korea and Vietnam. He served in the U. S. Army for 28 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1979.
Services will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
