Sylvia Lieberg Obituary

Sylvia Jean Lieberg (Taylor), 82, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully at Corewell Health Merlin & Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville, on Friday, May 16, 2025. Sylvia was born Sept. 12, 1942, in Benton Harbor to Fred and Freda (Jonas) Taylor. She was raised by her grandparents: Adam and Frieda Jonas, after the death of her mother.

Sylvia was married to her high school sweetheart, Olaf Lieberg, for 18 years and devoted her life to her family. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1961. She worked in banking for 25 years at Peoples State Bank and Fifth Third Bank and received her associate's degree in business (1986) from Lake Michigan College. She worked at Krasl Art Center for nine years and enjoyed being surrounded by art and artists. She was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph and the Lutheran Ladies Aid.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents: Fred and Frieda and brother, Robert Taylor.

Sylvia is survived by her children: Tanya (Mike) Sobaski and Kirk (Diane) Lieberg; grandchildren: Laura (Keegan) Trail, Andrew (Tara) Peters, Will and Mike Sobaski; her bonus grandchildren: Kelsey (Jordan) Leemaster and Cameron Krieger; three great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald Taylor, and stepsister, Christine Taylor; nieces: Gretchen (Cory) Peek, Brianne (Bryan) Wilkinson; nephews: Brian (Christina Frank) Lieberg and Chase (Kaylin) Caldwell.

Sylvia had a deep love of genealogy and historical preservation. She was a member, curator and served as treasurer of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia organization. Sylvia was a member and treasurer of the Old St. Joseph Neighborhood Historical Preservation Society. She was a founding member of the St. Joseph City Parks Board and served on the board for 25 years. Sylvia regularly attended St. Joseph City Commission meetings. She was a community advocate for the good and beautification of the City of St. Joseph. Sylvia brought her vision of a community ice skating park (John and Dede Howard Ice Arena) to the City of St. Joseph. She worked at the City of David Museum and Colony. She was an election poll worker for 10 years, and was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid and Bible study.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Court and Market streets, St. Joseph, with the Rev. Michael Roth officiating. Burial will follow in Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Sylvia's memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.