Floyd Opfel
Jan. 31, 1891-Aug. 9, 1911
Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, August 10, 1911, page 1 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
YOUNG MAN IS TAKEN AWAY
Floyd Opfel succumbs after a long illness
HAD BRIGHT PROSPECTS
Was Capable and popular, had reached age of 20
The demise of Floyd Opfel, which occurred at 8:30 o'clock last evening at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Opfel, 501 Oak street, again causes a sadness which extends far outside fo the immediate family for few young men had attained a greater degree of popularity amojng the young people of this city and vicinity.
The young man had been ill for over a year with tuberculosis and while his demise was not unexpected yet the optimism of Mr. Opfel, in regard to his condition and the plans for continuing a college course to prepare himself for what seemed a promising career, had an effect upon relatives and friends that did not wholly prepare them for his demise at this time.
Mr. Opfel was born near Benton Harbor, Jan. 31, 1891. The family later moved to a farm southeast of Niles until a few years ago when they moved to this city.
Mr. Opfel was graduated from the Niles public schools in the class of '09. He supplemented his High school work with a course at the South Bend Business College. After completing his course he held a position in the South Bend office of the Vandalia Railroad company and later was employed by the Michigan Central.
The young man's illness covered a period of about 16 months. He spent some time at Pueblo, Col., and went to Ann Arbor for treatments besides receiving medical aid at home, to combat the disease but only to submit to the inevitable.
Besides his parents Mr. Opfel is survived by a sister, Myrtle, and two brothers, Roy and Ray, all of Niles.
The young man was a favorite in the social circles of the young people of the city and also with those with whom his business relations brought him in contact, his pleasing address and genial manner winning for him friends who can appreciate in a measure that loss which the family in their closer relation of home ties has sustained and deeply sympathize with them in their grief.
The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10 o'clock from Trinity Episcopal church. Rev. G. Huntington will officiate.