Sylvester “Syl” John Allas, 87, of Austin, Minn., died Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, at his home.

Sylvester was born March 31, 1925, in Elmore, Minn., to Andrew and Elizabeth (Kuhn) Allas. Sylvester served his country in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945 and was honorably discharged. On April 24, 1954, he was united in marriage to Alma “Jimmy” D. Godrey Malgram. Sylvester worked for Hormel Foods in Austin for 30 years, retiring in 1985. Jimmy and Syl lived their lives together in the home that they built just north of Austin. They had a small cabin on their land along the river which was built by some of the first settlers to that area. That cabin remains to this day.

As a couple they were always together, enjoying travelling, fishing, gardening, canning and nature, especially birds. Syl shared his love of birds with family and friends by giving them bird feeders with seeds to fill them. He was a special friend to many neighborhood dogs through the years. He was a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was a great neighbor and a friend to many.

Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents, wife, five brothers and four sisters. He is survived by sister-in-law Marion Allas of Austin, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services for Sylvester Allas will be held on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at the Mayer Funeral Home chapel in Austin at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Austin. Mayer Funeral Home of Austin is in charge of arrangements.