Sylvester Paul Josten, son of Joseph Jr. and Ann (Penne) Josten was born on a rural Elgin, Nebraska farm in 1917. He received his formal education at St. Boniface Catholic School in Elgin. Vet began his working years in California before moving to North Dakota. He later returned to the Elgin area where he was employed by the Elgin Mills.

On August 22, 1946, he was united in marriage to Bernice Heithoff at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Elgin. Vet farmed in the Elgin area with his father during WWII and later on his own. Along with farming, he wrote insurance for Boone and Antelope Mutual and Farmers Mutual Insurance Companies. Vet also worked for the ASCS office in various programs. In September 2003, the couple moved to the Willow Ridge Retirement Center at McCook, Nebraska and in June 2007 they entered the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

Vet was a lifelong member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, St. Boniface Choir, and the Elgin Chamber of Commerce.

On Saturday morning, November 24, 2007, Vet died at 90 years of age at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Nebraska.

He is survived by his wife Bernice of McCook, NE; 4 children: Jean Breen and husband Pat of Eustis, NE; Judy Ferril and husband Jac of Aurora, CO; Jim Josten and wife Corrine of Pleasant Hill, MO; Doris Friehe and husband Ron of McCook, NE; grandchildren: Carrie Krist & husband Jim; Greg Stuhr & wife Charlotte; Aaron Stuhr; Scott Stuhr & wife Stephanie; Fr. Curtiss Dwyer; Gina Eidinger & husband Jason; Nora Bonfoey & husband David; Carl Dwyer; Jennifer Burns & husband Adam; Annie Perkins & husband Andy; Mary Ellen Josten; Valerie Tonkin & husband Brionn; Sam Friehe; Brian Friehe; 2 brothers: Kenzy and Raymond Josten; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Vet was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers: Alfred, Lawrence and infant Paul Josten; 2 sisters: Ava Clare Welding and Kathrine Pelster.