Eva Helen Messinger
Sept. 22, 1905-Aug. 7, 1996

The Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Thursday, August 8, 1996, page 1, column 5-6 (Microfilm Niles District Library)

Last surviving member of Niles’ Messinger family dies

NILES—Eva Messinger, member of a pioneering Niles family, died early Wednesday at the age of 90, following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with the Rev. Dr. Ronald H. Wakeman of the First Presbyterian Church, Niles, officiating.

Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Miss Messinger was born Sept. 22, 1905, in Bertrand Township to Schuyler Colfax Messinger and the former Eva Beard.

Miss Messinger’s grandfather, Samuel Messinger, established a 160-acre farmer on Portage Prairie in Bertrand Township in 1844.  The farm was passed on to Miss Messinger’s father, and to his children.  Miss Messinger and her brother Simmons, maintained the farm until the 1970s.

She recently donated a 30-acre parcel to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, which was established as the Topinabee Lake Preserve, along with a 41-acre parcel given by friend and neighbor Duane Masten.

 “It was really an immense pleasure to get to know Eva. She had an incredible memory, and hearing her stories of her youth were both entertaining and fascinating. She will be dearly missed,” said Conservancy executive director Renee Kivikko said.

Nearly 50 of her friends, family and Conservancy members gathered a the Portage Road site on June 1 for the dedication of the preserve, Kivikko added.

Nephew Joel Gillette remembered his aunt as a “good person” who “didn’t like to sit around.”  He recalled plentiful candy when he was young, and the she grew a “Victory Garden” during World War II and would sell vegetables from it.

She worked on the farm with her brothers, baling hay in the summer and cutting and husking corn by hand in the fall.

She continued to work on the farm after her brother LaRue was killed in France in 1918.  LaRue Messinger was the first man from Niles to be killed in World War I, succumbing to machine gun fire in the Mihiel Drive on Sept. 12, 1918, at the age of 21.

After LaRue Messinger’s death, the Niles American Legion Post was named in his memory, and carries that name to his day.

Miss Messinger would always host Christmas dinner at the farm, Gillette recalled. “It was always Christmas at the Messingers’.” He said.  “She was the organizer, and would always make sure that everyone got dinner.”

Gillette said that his aunt “wouldn’t let anything slow her down,” and until recently would go to club meetings in South Bend and other places, and continued to attend church.

“She kept as busy as she could for her age,” he said.

 Miss Messinger was a farmer and a homemaker, and only recently moved into Niles from the family farm on Portage Road where she lived her entire life.

Miss Messenger was member of the First Presbyterian Church and is S.A.G.A. group, the Berrien County (see page 2) Farm Bureau, the Schuyler Colfax chapter of the D.A.R. of South Bend and the Fort St. Joseph Historical Society.

She was a charter and life member of American Legion Post 26 Auxiliary, and was honored as a Gold Star Sister, a designation given to anyone who lost a loved one in World War I

She is survived by a sister, Genevieve Champion of Roseville, Minn.; caregiver Barbara Opfer of Niles, and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her brother Samuel Arthur Messinger and by her brother Charles Simmons Messinger in 1986.

 Friends may call for one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Niles Community Library or to the Fort St. Joseph Museum.

Charles Simmons Messinger
Oct. 20, 1895-July 28, 1986

The Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Tuesday, July 22, 1986, page 2, column 1 (Microfilm Niles District Library)

Charles Simmons Messinger, 90, 2180 Portage Road, died at 2:37 p.m. Monday at Pawating Hospital following an extended illness.

He was a retired farmer and member of the Berrien County Farm Bureau.

He was born Oct. 20, 1895, in Niles and was a lifelong resident.

He is survived by two sisters, Eva H. Messinger of Niles and Genevieve Champion, Elmhurst, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Halbritter Funeral Home, with Rev. Arnold O. Schaap of Edwardsburg officiating.

Burial will take place in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Halbritter’s.

Memorials may be given to the Niles Community Library or the Fort St. Joseph Museum.

Samuel Arthur Messinger
Aug. 20, 1893-Sept. 21, 1976

The Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Tuesday, September 22, 1976, page 6, column 6 (Microfilm Niles District Library)

            Samuel Arthur Messinger, 83, of 2180 Portage Rd., died at 12:40 p.m. Tuesday at Pawating Hospital after an extended illness.

            A veteran of the U.S. Army in WWI, he was a member of the Niles Disabled American Veterans and was a retired farmer.

            Mr. Messinger was born Aug. 20, 1893, in Niles and had lived his lifetime in the area.

            Survivors include a brother Charles of Niles; three sisters, Miss Eva H. Messinger of Niles, Mrs. Clinton (Carrie) Sweisberger of South Bend and Mrs. William (Genevieve) Champion of Niles.

            Another brother, LaRue H., died Sept. 12, 1918.  The Niles American Legion Post 26 is named in his honor.

            Funeral services will be at the Halbritter Funeral Home with the Rev. John Wyngarden of the First Presbyterian Church officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. 

            Friends may call after 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Eva Louise Messinger
May 29, 1862-Dec. 2, 1958

The Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Tuesday, December 2, 1958, page 2, column 5 (Microfilm Niles District Library)

            Eva Louise Messinger, 96, of rural route four [Portage Road], Niles, a gold star mother and one [of] the Niles area’s oldest residents, died at 12:25 a.m. today in her home following an illness of two and a half years.

            Mrs. Messinger was born May 20, 1862, in LaPorte County, Ind., and had lived in this community since 1884.  The LaRue Messinger Post of the American Legion here was named after her son who was killed in the war.

            Surviving are:  three daughters, Mrs. Clinton Sweisberger, of South Bend, Miss Eva H. Messinger, at home, and Mrs. William Champion, of Chicago; two sons, Samuel Arthur Messinger and C. Simmons Messinger, also at ahome; seven grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

            Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Pifer Funeral Home here with the Rev. John P. MacLachlan, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.  Friends may call at the funderla home beginning Wednesday evening.

The Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Tuesday, December 3, 1958, page 2, column 7 (Microfilm Niles District Library)

TO ATTEND RITES

            All members of the Niles Auxiliary to the LaRue Messinger Post of the American Legion are requested to meet at 1:30 p.m. Friday in front of the Pifer Funeral Home to attend the funeral services of Mrs. Eva Louise Messinger, 96, of rural route four, Niles, who died early Tuesday following an illness of two and a half years.

Schuyler Colfax Messenger
Aug. 16, 1861-Dec. 13, 1913

The Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Saturday, December 13, 1913, page 1, column 1 (Microfilm Niles District Library)

SCHUYLER MESSENGER SUICIDED
Only Cause Is That He Suffered From Melanchony
LIFELONG RESIDENT

Leaves a Widow and Eight Children
--Member of Royal Arcanum—
Resided In House of His Birth

            Schuyler Colfax Messenger is a suicide.  The deed was deliberate and not the slightest inkling of the affair was suspected by any member of the family; it seemed the furthest from anyone’s mind that such a rash act would be perpetrated.

            Mr. Messenger retired at the usual early hour last night and arose at 6 o’clock this morning.  Going to the barn, evidently to do chores, as was his custom, but instead he placed a small rope about his neck and hung himself in the buggy shed.

            His sons went to another part of the barn an hour later and performed some duties about the place, then returned for breakfast.  After eating they returned to the barn again, wondering where their father could be, only to find his dead body suspended from a joist in the buggy shed.  They cut him down, this 8:40 o’clock.

            The family and neighbors were notified, also Dr. Ullery. Melancholy is given as the real motive of the rash act.  The Messenger home is four miles southwest of Niles, in Bertrand township, and there the deceased the born Aug. 16, 1861.  The parents were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Messenger, old-time residents of Niles and vicinity, the father having been born in Pennsylvania, coming here when a young man.  He died about three years ago. 

            Mr. Messenger was a member of the Royal Arcanum of Niles.

            Besides the widow, eight children remain as follows:  Anna Mary, Carrie Louis, Samuel Arthur, Charles Simmons, LaRue Hamilton, William Hall, Genevieve, Elizabeth and Eva Helen, all at home.

            Mr. Messenger was a thirfty[sic] farmer, a good citizen, a man who won the love and respect of all his associates, and above all, the members of his family.

            His home life was beautiful, a man not addicted to politics, satisfied with the companionship of his wife, children and a few close friends.

            The neighbors, who have lived beside him for years, are unanimous in their praise of him, saying that he will be greatly missed for the kindnesses and consideration which he always showed.  The praise from one’s neighbors and the members of the family is the greatest tribute which can be paid to any man.

            Funeral from house, Tuesday afternoon at 1 o’clock, services to be conducted by Rev. Yonkers.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Ty Freimuth
Aug. 11, 1984-April 4, 2024  

NIles Daily Star, Published 3:50 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2024

 Ty Lee Freimuth, a cherished soul known for his kindness, humor, and selflessness, passed away on April 4, 2024, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born on Aug. 11, 1984, in McKinney, Texas, Ty’s infectious spirit and genuine care for others shone brightly throughout his 39 years of life.

From his early days, Ty was a beacon of joy to his loving parents, Gary and Lori (Beadle) Freimuth. His siblings, Jeremy (Stephanie) Freimuth and Camile (Jeremy) Lee. Ty’s life was further enriched when he met and married the love of his life, Nicole (Johnson) Freimuth, on July 15, 2017. Their union was blessed with a beautiful son, Harrison, who was the apple of his father’s eye at just two years old. Ty’s family circle included his cherished in-laws, Phillip and Anita Johnson, and a sister-in-law, Angie (Craig) Solloway. He adored his nieces and nephews — Brody, Brooklyn, Dylon, Dillon, Alexandria, Chris, Tanner, and Gabby — each of whom held a special place in his heart.

A 2003 graduate of Galien High School, Ty was an active student who participated in football and wrestling, showcasing his dedication and team spirit. After graduation, he immediately became a valued employee at AACOA/Bonnell Aluminum, where he dedicated over 20 years of service. His commitment to his work was paralleled only by his devotion to his family and friends.

Ty’s love for sports was evident in his unwavering support for Notre Dame football, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Cubs. Yet beyond being a sports enthusiast, he was also a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was a loving husband, a devoted son, a protective brother, and an adored uncle. He was a friend to everyone he met and carried a wild sense of humor that could light up any room.

Ty relished the times spent with his family, where he would grill out and smoke meat, creating memorable experiences for all. His zest for life and ability to make every gathering, or camping event, a celebration will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

Though his time on this earth was cut short, Ty’s legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will continue to live on through the many lives he touched. He was preceded by his beloved dog, Emmett, who was undoubtedly waiting to greet him with a wagging tail on the other side.

A celebration of Ty’s life will be held at a later date. Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles