Sylvester H. Noetzel

Sylvester ‘Syl’ passed away suddenly yet peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was 93. Syl was predeceased by his parents Sylvester A. and Isabel Noetzel and his brother Louis (Justine).

Syl was born on July 19, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan. He was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Notre Dame. Syl completed additional advanced programs including the Public Utility Executive Program and Nuclear Engineering Graduate studies through the University of Michigan. He also achieved his Professional Engineering certification in the state of Michigan.

Syl retired after 41 years of service from Detroit Edison (DTE). During his long career, Syl contributed to a major portion of the engineering design and construction of electric power generating facilities serving DTE customers in southeastern Michigan including acting as site project director of both the Fermi and Greenwood plants. In addition, he taught classes on construction projects and contracts at Lawrence Technological University.

Syl had many affiliations with both professional and personal groups, oftentimes in a leadership capacity including parish support at St. Alfred, Our Lady of Grace and St. John Neumann, St. Vincent de Paul, Knights of Columbus, Engineering Society of Detroit, ASME, American Nuclear Society, SCORE, Meals on Wheels, HOA president of Glengarry subdivision and Medicare/Medicaid counselor for Medicare Part B program.

On October 1, 1955, Syl married his sweetheart and wonderful woman, Mary Agnes (Kern). Together they enjoyed extensive travels both in the U.S. and abroad. They were fortunate to spend winter months on the Atlantic Ocean in Ormond Beach, Florida and summer times with family at their cottage at West Twin Lake in Lewiston boating, swimming or just relaxing. In retirement, Syl enjoyed live music, especially attending music in the park events. He very much liked going to Holy Mass each day and then puttering around the house, gardening and riding his tractor. He and Mary made many friends in the Young at Heart club, State 50 Club, Knights of Columbus Seniors and Elks Club.

Syl was predeceased by his wife Mary (2023) and his baby son Joseph (1959). He is survived by five children of whom he was tremendously proud; Nancy Kelly (Michael), Daniel (Susan), John (Deborah), Rose Mary Spellman (Joseph) and Mary Kathryn DeBrito (Christopher). Syl was also a beloved grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Turowski Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Road, Canton on Thursday, October 30, followed immediately by Rosary at the funeral home. He will lie in-state at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Road, Canton from 10:30 until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31. Syl will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen.