Ernie Russell Clubine
July 6, 1919-August 15, 1999
Mr. Ernie Russell Clubine, 80, of Oak Street, Niles, Mich., died Aug. 15, 1999, at the Lakeland Medical Center - Niles, following an extended illness.
Born in Indiana Harbor, Ind., on July 6, 1919, he was a son of Earl and Elma (Jackson) Clubine, and had lived most of his life in Niles, graduating from Niles High School in 1937.
Mr. Clubine was retired from the Clark Equipment Company, Benton Harbor, Mich., in 1989, following 25 years of service. His career included memberships in the National Management Association and the American Society of Tool & Manufacturing Engineers.
During World War II he served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant in the 86th Infantry Division in Europe and the Philippines. He spoke often, with pride, of having served his country. He was a member of American Legion #26, Niles, and the 86th Blackhawk Division Association.
He was a member of the First Church of Christ - Christian, Niles, and volunteered with the Meals on Wheels delivery program.
In July 1945, while on a military furlough during transfer from the European theater to the Pacific, he was married in South Bend, Ind., to the former Mary H. Miholick, who survives.
He is also survived by their son, Richard and his wife, Colleen Clubine of Peachtree, Ga.; grandchildren, Megan and Matthew Clubine, also of Peachtree; his brother, Donald Clubine of Niles; nephews, James, Russell, Chris and Andrew Clubine; and by a niece, Jane Clubine.
He was preceded in death by two infant sons, Ernie and Wilfred; and by his brother, Wilfred Clubine.
Funeral services for Ernie R. Clubine will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with Rev. Lowell Black of the First Church of Christ-Christian officiating. Com-mittal services will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, followed by the Veteran's Flag Presentation and Taps by American Legion Commander John McLaughlin.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Contributions in memory may be made to Hospice at Home of Berrien County or to the Berrien County Cancer Service.