Christopher John (CJ) Syltie, age 63, of Marshall passed away March 23, 2021 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. There will be a Memorial Gathering for Chris on Saturday, April 3 from 1:30 – 4:00pm at the Porter Hall, with a special presentation at 3:00pm. Please come to share memories with family and friends. COVID protocol will be observed. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Chris was born on March 29, 1957 to Walter and Ramona (Fier) Syltie. He grew up on the family farm near Porter and attended school in Canby graduating in 1975. After high school he enrolled in the truck driving program at Alexandria Technical College and worked several years doing over-the-road trucking. Chris was injured in a truck driving accident in August 1982. During and after his recovery he attended college classes at various schools in Minnesota and New Mexico, eventually graduating Suma Cum Laude from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM with a degree in History. He furthered his education at Minnesota State Mankato, graduating with a master’s degree in Rehab Counseling. He worked at the Independent Living Resource Center of Albuquerque, NM, the St. Paul Office of Minnesota State Services for the Blind, and the Southwestern Center for Independent Living of Marshall. Chris spent many years advocating for people with disabilities in all walks of life. He valued history, was an avid reader, and was always ready for a lively discussion on current affairs. He had a generous heart and loved spending time visiting with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, especially the annual deer hunt at the family farm.
Chris is survived by his soul mate, Doreen of Marshall, his lifelong friend, Stan (Teri) Knutson of Porter, his sister, Becky (Dick) Clayton of New London, and brother, Walter II (Jane) of Brookings, SD. He is also survived by a niece: Kelli Jo (Nate) Miller and their children Jessa-age 6 and Graham-age 5 of Maple Grove, nephews: John Syltie of Brookings, SD and Will (Taylor Boonstra) Clayton of Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ramona Syltie.
Memorials to be directed to:
Dougherty Hospice House
4509 South Prince of Peace PL
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
