Keith Larson, 89
Aug. 12, 1921 — Jan. 15, 2011

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:44pm Monday, January 17, 2011

Keith R. Larson Sr., 89, passed away in his home Saturday, Jan. 15 surrounded by family.

Keith was born Aug. 12, 1921 in Niles to Anna (Rau) and Edward Larson. He was the fourth of five children.

On Nov. 10, 1945, after returning from service overseas, Keith married Eva (Brown) Larson, who survives.

During World War II, he served his country proudly in North Africa, Italy, England and France as a member of the 15th Troop Carrier Squadron of the Army Air Corp. For many years, Keith and Eva were active participants in the reunion group of the 15th and have retained those friendships up to present day. Many of Keith’s fondest memories were of travels back to England with his Army buddies to revisit areas where they served and to reminisce about the efforts that made them all part of the greatest generation.

Keith worked as a service parts manager at Tyler Refrigeration for 30 years, retiring in 1976. After retirement, he remained active volunteering more than 6,000 hours at Pawating Hospital and gaining status as a lifetime member of the Hospital Auxiliary. He also generously volunteered his time with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus in Niles, including serving as Grand Knight of Council 708.

Keith was a founding member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles and over the years served as an usher, lector and choir member.

His interests included square dancing, needlepoint and reading.

He was the proud father of four children: Keith “Jack” Jr. (Diane), Edward (Marge), Margaret and Larry (Jeanine). He was blessed with six grandchildren: Cassandra Ornelas, Stephen Larson, Geoff Dunnuck, Todd Dunnuck, Heather Reed and Amy Pierce; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Duane, Vernon “Squirmy” and Don Larson; and sister, Marge Meyers.

As a final act of generosity, Keith donated his body to science.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Keith’s memory to The Brian Parker Foundation 2469 Lone Elm Lane, Niles, MI 49120.

A rosary service, led by family friends Ed and Alice Drada, will be held Thursday, Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St., Niles.

A time of visitation with the family will follow from 6 to 7:30pm.

The family thanks those who reached out with compassion and prayers. They especially appreciate the efforts of the staff of West Woods of Niles for the care they provided; Drs. George Kolettis and Christopher Strayhorn for their help and encouragement; and the staff of Lakeland Hospice for the support they provided during Keith’s final days.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Eva Vianna Larson, 89
March 20, 1923-March 3, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:16pm Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Eva Larson, 89, of Niles, passed away in her home Sunday evening, with her daughter by her side, following an extended illness.

Eva was born and raised in Valparaiso, IN., the oldest daughter of Helen (Schwartz) and William Brown. She is survived by siblings Florence (Weedie) Brown and Wallace Brown. She was predeceased by brothers Alvin, Bill and Charlie, sister Marilyn and her parents.

Eva came to Niles in 1945 when she wed Keith R. Larson. They celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to Keith’s passing in early 2011.  She is survived by her children; Jack (Diane) Larson, Ed (Marge) Larson, Margaret Larson and Larry (Jeanine) Larson. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Cassandra, Stephen, Geoffrey, Todd, Heather and Amy as well as 11 great-grandchildren.

As a young woman Eva worked, among other things, as a telephone operator; however once her children arrived, she was a devoted and active homemaker. She was greatly involved in the lives and activities of her family and travelled extensively to share special events with her children and their families.

She was a founding member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles and served the Church in various capacities through the years including as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic minister, a member of the Christian Mother’s group and as a funeral dinner volunteer. Eva was also an original member of the Homemaker’s Club of Niles and continued to meet monthly for lunch with “the club gals” until her health prevented it. She was a dedicated volunteer at Pawating/Lakeland Hospital in Niles amassing over 8500 hours during her tenure with the majority of those coming in the surgery waiting room where she was the volunteer chairperson for many years.

Eva’s family would like to thank the entire staff of Hospice at Home of Saint Joseph for the guidance, kindness and care they provided to Mom as she completed her journey. We especially want to recognize Sara, Amanda and Jackie for being there to assist, answer questions and provide support no matter the hour. In lieu of flowers we request that memorial donations be made to Hospice at Home 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085.

The family would also like to thank Brother Dennis Meyers of St. Mark Church for his support, spiritual care and guidance during Mom’s confinement.

The Funeral service for Eva Larson will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church 3 North 19th St. Niles, MI on Thursday March 7th at 3 PM with visitation at the Church beginning at 1 PM.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook\BrownFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Terrance W. Goodman, 59

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:14pm Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Terrance W. Goodman, 59, formerly of Niles, Mich., died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 in Burbank, Calif., following an extended illness.

Arrangements are being made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Scott Shearer, 50
May 8, 1962-March 9, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published online  6:02pm Sunday, March 10, 2013

Scott J. Shearer, 50,  of Niles, died at 3:10 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Riveridge Manor in Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on May 8, 1962, in Niles to James Eugene Shearer and Shirley

Surviving family includes his mother, Shirley Shearer and his father, James Shearer, both of Niles; a sister, Kim (and Kevin) Shelton; an uncle, Dennis Ingleright, and nephew, James Nichols; and many cousins.

The funeral service for Scott Shearer will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at the Halbritter

Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church in Niles officiating. Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

Scott will be missed by family and all who got to know him.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Olive Jeanette Line, 95
March 6, 1918-March 12, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:21pm Thursday, March 14, 2013

Olive Jeanette Line, 95, of South 36th Street, South Bend died on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Kindred Healthcare in South Bend following a brief illness.  She was born March 6, 1918 in Battle Creek, Mich., to Floyd & Eva (Brockman) Adams.  On Nov. 16, 1939 in South Bend she married Arthur A. Line, who preceded her in death in 1985.

Line

Olive graduated from Niles High School and was a book keeper for the A&P grocery store and Bookout Furniture & Appliances in Niles.  She enjoyed dancing, especially square dancing.

Olive is survived by two daughters; Marvelyn Berlincourt of Mishawaka and Carol (& Dan) Draper of South Bend, four grandchildren; Lisa Berlincourt, Shelley Berlincourt, Kent Berlincourt and Todd Draper and great-grandchildren; Keegan & Darrian Berlincourt.  She is also survived by her sister; Barbara (& Johnnie) Rodebush of Niles and brother-in-law Bill Lingerfelt of Niles, as well as 26 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, brothers; Delbert Adams, Donald Adams, Kermit Adams, Robert Adams and Damon Adams and sisters; Yvonne Brady and Sharon Lingerfelt.

The funeral service for Olive Jeanette Line will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with members of the family officiating.  Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6-8 p.m.on Friday, March 15, at the funeral home.

Donations in memory of Olive may be made to the organization of choice.

Virginia Ellen Crawford, 90
April 23, 1922-March 12, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:20pm Thursday, March 14, 2013

Virginia Ellen Crawford, 90, of May Street, Edwardsburg, Mich., died on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Riveridge Manor following an illness.  She was born April 23, 1922 in Niles.  On April 24, 1942 in South Bend she married Richard Crawford, he preceded her in death in 2001.

Virginia was a lifetime Niles resident.  She retired after 45 years of service to Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles.

Virginia is survived by her son Dennis Crawford of Flemington, N.J. and her daughter Alice O’Connor of Traverse City, Mich.  Also surviving are four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and sisters; Lillian Campbell, Phyllis Burney and Maxine Okonski, all of Niles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, mother Dorothy Webber and brother Vern Webber.

Funeral services for Virginia Ellen Crawford will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 16 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles officiating.  Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friend one hour before services at the funeral home.

Donations in memory of Virginia may be made to John Hopkins University (ATTN: Eline Delman-Neuropathology, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross 558, Baltimore, MD 21205).

www.halbritterfunerals.com