On Dec. 22, the estate of Ernest and Elma Sylte was distributed among the couple’s nieces and nephews, as well as Bethel Lutheran Foundation, Mercy Medical Foundation, Trinity Christian School, Upper Missouri Ministries, Williston Council on Aging and Williston State College Foundation.
Stan Grev of rural Williston, Elma’s nephew, is an executor of the Sylte estate. He said the Syltes chose to give to the organizations because each one has touched their lives in different ways.
“Caregivers is what they were. They’ve always given to these charities,” Grev said.
A portion of the estate was given to the 11 nieces and nephews, and more than half of it was given to charity, Grev said. “They thought the 11 nieces and nephews were OK on their own,” Grev said.
Both Ernest and Elma were born in Williston; Elma (Grev) Sylte was born east of Williston. They were married on Dec. 30, 1957, and owned a farm northwest of Williston. Elma Sylte was a teacher, having taught in one-room school throughout Williams and Divide counties.
Ernest Sylte raised sheep, cattle and farmed spring wheat, durum and other grains on the family homestead and was known for taking wedding photos as well as portraits of family and friends. He died Feb. 8, 2008, at the age of 90; she died Aug. 1, 2005, at the age of 94.
Representatives of the organizations are grateful for the donations.
“I’m very respectful and appreciative of people that have this kind of philanthropy,” said Terry Olson, director of the Williston State College Foundation.
Williston State College Foundation received its donation just after the last board meeting, Olson said. Thus, it’ll wait until the board meets again to discuss what to do with the money.
Although the WSC Foundation appreciates gifts that are designated for specific uses, such as endowments and scholarships, Olson is grateful this particular gift comes with no strings attached so it can be put toward what the foundation needs.
“The nicest thing about this gift is the Sylte family felt confident that the foundation and its board would see fit to spend it. It’s very nice to to get a gift like this that’s unrestricted,” Olson said.
Jim Yockim, director of Bethel Lutheran Foundation, said its donation will be used for the new assisted-living center being built west of the El Rancho Hotel in Williston. Ground broke on the project in August, and it may be completed by fall 2009, Yockim said.
“It will add a badly-needed service to the community,” Yockim said. The assisted-living center will not only offer a place for seniors to live independently with some services, but it will also free up some housing in the community once seniors can move in, he said.
Upper Missouri Ministries will use its money for scholarships for children to go to summer camp and to replace cabins and upgrade facilities, said Nick Johnson, camp director.
“Faith was important to the Syltes. It’s a marvelous gift,” Johnson said, adding the donation will give hundreds of children the ability to experience God through the summer camp program. The camp is located north of Williston near Epping.
More scholarships will be available to children wanting to go to Trinity Christian School in Williston, thanks to the Sylte donation, said Doug Black, administrator and development director of the school.
“These people were so gracious. Even though they’re not here now, their legacy lives on. Many students will be blessed as a result of their gift,” Black said.
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