Kathleen Lois Kehrer
Jan. 8, 1934-Dec. 2, 1945
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, December 3, 1945, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
11-Year Old Niles Girl Found
Victim's Body Found by Her Brother Sunday
A verdict of accidental death was expected to be returned today by Coroner William Pifer in the death of 11-year-old Kathleen Lois Kehrer who was found Sunday afternoon suspended by a rope from a tree near the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs Erwyn Kehrer.
The family lives two and one-half miles north of Niles on M-40.
Seventh Grade Pupil
The body of the girl, a seventh grade pupil in the Central school of Niles, was discovered Sunday afternoon by a brother, James, 15. The discovery was made about an . . .[illegible]... ed, authorities deduced.
Members of the family told state police, who investigated the accident, that the girl was playing alone. The tree, 20 inches in diameter with the lowest branch 10 feet from the ground, is located in the rear of the Kehrer residence.
Her body was found with a light rope looped around her throat The noose apparently caused death by strangulation.
Funeral Wednesday
The girl was born in Niles Jan. 8, 1934. Survivors, in addition to the parents and the brother who found her body, are a sister, Mary Lou; the paternal grandmother, Mrs. Louise Kehrer of Sister lakes, and the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Morris of Berrien Springs.
The body was brought to the Kiger funeral home where friends may call. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday in the First Presbyterian church with the Rev. T.M. Greenhoe in charge. Burial will be made in Silverbrook cemetery.
The girl was a member of the Presbyterian church Sunday school.
Coroner Pifer said he contemplated checking details of the tragedy before returning the verdict.