Obituary of Avery C. Van Slyke

Mr. Avery C. Van Slyke, 77, formerly of Grand St., Palatine Bridge, current resident of Arkell Center, Canajoharie, passed away Saturday Evening at the Wells Nursing Home in Johnstown. Born on October 24, 1927 in St. Johnsville, NY, the son of Raymond and Fredreka Brill Van Slyke, he was a lifelong area resident and attended local schools. After school he served with the United States Army in the Medic Department. Mr. Van Slyke worked for Conrail for over forty years until retiring as chief dispatcher in 1987. He was a member of the Hamilton Lodge, F. & A. M. #79 where he served as organist for the lodge. He also was a member of the Canajoharie- Ft. Plain Elks Lodge #2621 where he served with the office of organist. He served on the board of the Palatine Society of the Lutheran Church, and was a member of the Canajoharie Senior Citizens, He was also a member of St. John- St. Marks Lutheran Church, Canajoharie where he was a member of the choir and served on the church council. Mr. Van Slyke loved music, enjoyed playing the organ, traveling, working outside, gardening, and spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his wife, Lucille Retallick Van Slyke, whom he married on June 14, 1952. She passed away on January 31, 1993. He was also predeceased by three brothers: Raymon, Richard and Frederick Van Slyke. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Klump and her husband Gerald of Ft. Plain; a son, Neal Van Slyke and his wife Lorraine of Ft. Plain; four grandchildren: Caralee Kardash and her husband Joseph of Norwood, NY, Taylor Van Slyke of Fultonville, and Luke and Vanessa Van Slyke both of Ft. Plain and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11a.m. at the St. John- St. Marks Lutheran Church, Church St. Canajoharie with the Rev. Gail Wolling officiating. Burial will take place in the Ft. Plain Cemetery. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 until 8p.m. at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego St., Canajoharie. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Mid- County Volunteer Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 126, Canajoharie, NY 13317 or The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.