Fintze, Richard James

Richard Fintze
Sept. 4, 1926-June 20, 2010

Richard James Fintze, 83, of Champlain Drive, Niles died at 2:10 p.m. Sunday, June 20, 2010 at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles following a brief illness.

He was born Sept. 4, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio to William James and Lela (Oehling) Fintze. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School and attended Western Reserve University, Cleveland.

He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, serving in the United States Navy.

Dick was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Niles. He was appointed to positions in several municipal boards and was active in several community service clubs, including the Berrien County Civitan and Niles Riverfest.

On Oct. 3, 1953 in Warren, Pa., he married Joanne Peterson, who survives. Also surviving are their daughters, Lisa Karsten, of Marietta, Ga. and Susan Fintze, of South Bend.

He was preceded in death by a son, James Fintze, who died in 1982.

The funeral service for Richard J. Fintze will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of First Presbyterian Church officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. The veterans’ flag presentation will be provided by an honor guard of the  U.S. Navy.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at noon Wednesday at the funeral home.
Contributions in memory of Mr. Fintze may be made to the Berrien County Civitan Club.

Niles Daily Star, Published 11:14pm Monday, June 21, 2010