Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Thackray, Carol (Bisarkek) 1933-2024

editor Obituaries

Carol (Bisarek) Thackray
Jan. 4, 1933-April 6, 2024

NIles Daily Star, Published 9:46 pm Wednesday, April 10, 2024 

Carol Bisarek Thackray was born in Livingston, Wisconsin on Jan. 4, 1933, to Michael and Mary Bisarek. She grew up on farms of the rolling hills of Southwestern Wisconsin with her nine siblings. She attended rural schools, grades 1-8, then graduated from Cobb High School in 1950 and was employed in Madison, Wisconsin for several years. In 1955 she entered Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Madison, graduating in 1958. In December 1958 she and David Thackray of Waupun, Wisconsin were married. They moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where David completed the University of Minnesota Dental School and Carol worked as a nurse at the University of Minnesota Hospitals. In 1960 they settled in Niles, Michigan where they raised their family and David had his dental practice until 1990. Carol worked at Pawating Hospital, now Corewell Hospital, until the first of their four sons arrived. They enjoyed family life in their bustling West Main neighborhood where John, Glenn, James, and Andrew grew up with many other families and children with games, sports, parades, and school functions. Carol excelled at so many practical and creative pursuits: gardening, sewing, cooking, music, and art. Fernwood Botanical Garden was a favorite spot. She loved exploring the Great Lakes on family camping trips and many visits to the National Parks. She and David built items from Heathkits – TVs, radios and a 17-foot kayak that they took on many segments of the St. Joseph River. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church where Carol taught Sunday School for many years. She and David were active in many church clubs and activities. Carol especially delighted in the artistry and beauty of the church and its set of Charles Connick stained glass windows. Creating stained glass art became one of her artistic pastimes. Carol belonged to Community Concerts, Cosmopolitan Club and was active with Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity for many years. She also promoted anti-drug and recycling programs in the community. Carol loved journaling, letter writing and kept meticulous notes chronicling her life events, children and grandchildren’s milestones and travels. She loved visits from grandchildren and out of town relatives in later years. Carol and David were devoted partners and she dedicated herself to his care when he developed Parkinsons Disease until his death in 2000. She is preceded in death by her parents, David’s parents, brother Richard and sisters Dorothe Morrison and Mary Pertzborn, sisters in law Shirley Norton, brothers in law Donald Olson, Ray Ryan, Roland Morrison, Keith Thackray, Richard Norton, Robert Caldwell and James Pertzborn. Surviving are her four sons, John (Ann) of Lake Zurich IL, Glenn (Alison) of Pocatello, ID, James of Niles, MI, Andrew (Shannon) of Louisville, Colorado. Her six grandchildren, Emma, Tess, Abigail, Megan, Calvin and Nolan Thackray. Sisters, Anita Olson, Lois (William) Meuer, Terry (Daniel) Stanton, brothers Michael (Flo), Robert (Rhonita), Kenneth (Kris). David’s sibling, Lois Caldwell, sister-in-law Marian Thackray and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Niles Foundation, 13 South 4th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Family and friends will gather Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street, Niles. The funeral service will be Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, 13 South 4th Street, Niles with Pastor Christopher Mergener officiating. Family and friends will be able to visit for an hour before as well as after the service. Carol will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, David, in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles following the post service visitation. Please leave a message or memory online: HalbritterWickens.com

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2024/04/10/carol-bisarek-thackray/

Johnson, Richard Lee 1968-2024

editor Obituaries

Richard Lee Johnson, 55
December 2, 1968-March 14, 2024

Published 10:31 pm Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Richard Lee Johnson, 55, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in South Bend, Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to and are pending with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2024/03/19/richard-lee-johnson-55/

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Richard Lee Johnson Obituary

Richard Lee Johnson, 55, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, in South Bend, Indiana with his family by his side.

Richie was born on December 2, 1968 in Niles, Michigan, to the late Fay Johnson and Joann (Barrett) Johnson.

Along with his parents, Richie was preceded in death by his brothers, Fay Johnson Jr. and Joseph Johnson.

Left to cherish the memory of Richie is his Yorkie, Mini; children, Kayla (Cody Call) Johnson, Michelle (DeShawn) Clark, Danielle (Travis Edwards) Culberson, Chasity Cole, and Lacie (Roy Janke) Paholski; siblings, Luann (Gene) Solloway, Shelley Johnson, David (Heather) Johnson, Teresa Solloway, Rita Johnson, Karen May, and James Smith; 14 grandchildren who are carrying out his legacy; many friends and family, and “baby mommas”, Katie Ickes and Crystal Culberson, who have promised to hold down the fort.

Richie attended Brandywine Public Schools and spent most of his adolescence at Skate-A-Rama. He was better known as “Pizza Rich” from those who will remember him from Bobalony’s, Bobcats Pizza Den and Richie’s Pizzeria.

Richie enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and sharing wisdom with his many friends. He was loyal to a fault and a lifeline for many. Richie was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Richie’s family will privately lay him to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery.

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

Minshall, Sharlene Grace 1936-2023

editor Obituaries

Sharlene Grace Minshall
November 23, 1936-September 13, 2023

Published on website of SmartCremation.com  https://obits.smartcremation.com/sharlene-minshall

Sharlene Grace Minshall, 86, passed away in Normandy Park, WA, on September 13, 2023, of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She was born in a log cabin on the Dowagiac Creek near Dowagiac, MI, on November 23, 1936, to Lee and Mildred (Hall) Stilwell, and four older brothers, Ted, Richard, Leo, and Dean, all deceased. She is survived by two daughters, Janet Minshall Wadlington (Bill, Fruitland, WA); Tracey Minshall Norvelle (Tom, Lynchburg, VA); granddaughter, Rebecca Wadlington LaPlatney (Evin, Renton, WA); grandson, William Norvelle, (Reston, VA), sisters-in-law, Pat Stilwell (Dowagiac, MI), and Kay Newell (Caledonia, MI).

She graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1954. Medical Secretarial training took her to the Regional Radiation Oncology Center, Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN. Ms. Minshall enjoyed night classes in Oil Painting, Creative Writing, Japanese Language, and Photography at Lake Michigan College and Indiana University, later participating in the Niles Art Association.

Sharlene and Jack met in 1954 at Driftwood, Sister Lakes, MI, and married on September 9, 1956, in Silvercreek Methodist Church. They lived in South Bend, IN, until after the birth of their two daughters, then settled in Niles, MI, and the family became active in the First Presbyterian Church where Ms. Minshall was in the choir for many years. They were avid campers, canoers, and RVers.

For ten years, the Minshalls were co-leaders for 12 troops in the Girl Scouts of Singing Sands Council, with the help of many co-leaders and mothers. Mrs. Minshall’s three Brownie GS troops visited the Minshall kitchen five at a time, baking cookies for Vietnam soldiers via Chicago’s WLS Radio Station. Sharlene wrote “The Troop Snoop” by Kelly Green for the Niles Daily Star.

Jack bought, re-engineered, and painted a school bus white and Cadette Troop #160 girls added their colorful footprints and handprints. “Bessie Bus” was pressed into service for collecting glass and newspapers to fund skiing, camping, and winter activities at Camp Shawadassee, and to Chicago’s McCormick Place, or the Labor Day Walk across the Mackinaw Bridge. Major trips included a Colorado Dude Ranch and Florida’s Disney World. And yes, they sold GS cookies. Ms. Minshall was honored as a 1969 national delegate to the GS Convention in Seattle.

In September 1981, Janet and Tracey gave their parents a 25th wedding renewal celebration at the Minshall home. On August 4, 1982, Jack met his untimely death via Bacterial Endocarditis in Indianapolis, IN. The girls will place their mother’s ashes with their father at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. There will be a private graveside interment at a later date.

In 1986, Sharlene, also known as “Charlie” and “Silver Gypsy,” became a full-time RVer to fulfill a dream that she and Jack had for early retirement. For the next twenty years, she traveled the North American Continent as a columnist and photographer, publishing books and giving seminars on the full-time RV lifestyle. Her adventure highlights were a 500-mile canoe trip on Alaska’s Yukon River, driving the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay and the Dempster to Inuvik in Canada’s NW Territories, visiting polar bears in Manitoba, Canada, and living on the beaches of Baja, Mexico. “Crossing the Pond” took her to the Orient, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia for International visits. During those years, she met with the two families every two years for weeklong reunions in various states.

Charlie eventually bought an RV lot at Escapee’s North Ranch near Wickenburg, AZ, for those times she was not exploring. She joined the Yarnell Presbyterian Church and choir. She published her first novel, “Winter in the Wilderness,” in 2013, and in 2019, her 7th RV book, “Serendipity on Wheels,” a compilation of previously published favorite columns, book chapters, blogs, and tidbits of advice picked up along the way.

In 2015, Sharlene moved from Arizona to Sequim, WA, and lived with the San Juan de Fuca Sound and Canada to the north and the Olympic National Park to the south, until she moved to Normandy Park Assisted Living earlier this year.

Ladonski, Richard Allen 1949-2024

editor Obituaries

Richard  Allen Ladonski
Mar. 11, 1949 ~ Feb. 02, 2024

Published on website of Hoven Funeral Home:

Obituary

On a day that evokes both sorrow and celebration, we remember Richard Ladonski, a man whose life was marked by a generosity of

spirit, a compassion that knew no bounds, and an inspiring creativity that left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Born inSouth Bend, IN on March 11, 1949, Richard, fondly known as Ric, was a beacon of light in the lives of many. As the English novelist

George Eliot once said, "What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" Richard embodied this sentiment throughout his 74 years, always striving to uplift those around him.

Raised in Galien, Michigan, Richard graduated from Galien High School and went on to attend Western Michigan University where heearned a teaching degree. As an educator at Niles High School, he devoted his career to inspiring young minds, ensuring they not only learned the curriculum but also the virtues of kindness, empathy, and resilience. Richard's creativity was not confined to the classroom; he was an avid fisherman who collected fishing lures, a leading expert and lecturer on freshwater pearls, and enjoyed graphic arts. His enthusiasm for these hobbies was infectious, making him a beloved figure within his community in Niles, Michiganwhere he resided from 1973 to the present.

Surviving Richard is his adoring wife of nearly 52 years, Arlene Ladonski, his brother Jack Ladonski, and his sisters Cathy Merill, Christine (Robert) Kuntz, and Lill Bird. He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Betty Ladonski. As we remember Richard, we celebrate his generous heart, his compassionate soul, and his creative spirit - qualities that made him a beloved husband,brother, teacher, and friend. These memories of Richard will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the beautiful life he lived.

We encourage all who knew Richard to share memories, stories, and photos on his memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a tribute to a man who spent his lifetime inspiring others, and will provide comfort to those who loved him. As we navigate this period of loss, let us remember the words of Helen Keller, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Richard's spirit will forever remain alive in our hearts

Stover, James Lee 1959-2024

editor Obituaries

James Lee Stover
March 30, 1959  -  February 12, 2024

Published on the website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services:

Obituary

James Lee Stover, 64, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024 in Niles, Michigan.

Jamie was born on March 30, 1959 in Elkhart, Indiana to James W. Stover and Patricia A. (Pointer) Stover.

Left to cherish the memory of Jamie are his loving children, Jessica Stover, Lucas Stover, and James Stover; sisters, Kimberly (Scott) Millin and Tamara (Kerry) Wright; significant other, Jeanne Peel; niece and nephews, Noah Millin, Brady Wright, and Brooklyn Wright and parents, James Stover and Patricia Stover.

For over four decades, Jamie dedicated himself to coaching youth sports, instilling values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship in countless young athletes. His commitment to nurturing potential was not merely a hobby but the very essence of his soul. As the president of the local little league for twenty years, he was both a mentor and a role model, affecting positive change in the community that will resonate for generations to come. Even as he charted the triumphs and challenges of young sportsmen and women, Jamie's own children always remained his pride and joy, with him guiding their athletic journeys with love and zeal.

An ardent supporter of University of Michigan sports, Jamie was known for his unwavering enthusiasm and loyalty. His fandom was matched by his ability to keep up with technology, often spending leisure time engaged with the latest games on his phone, his curiosity and knack for tech-savviness ever apparent.

Moreover, Jamie embraced the great outdoors with fervor — be it steering a boat on the open water, casting a line out on a serene morning, setting up camp under the starlit sky, or hitting the greens for a round of golf. Jamie was also an avid bowler for almost 40 years. His deep appreciation for nature was also reflected in his compassion for animals, where his kindness found another outlet through rescuing those in need.

Professionally, Jamie was more than just a boss; he was a leader who led by example. His dedication and work ethic were unparalleled, earning him the admiration and respect of his employees. His guidance was both insightful and inspirational, making the workplace not just a site of employment but a family. Above all, to his children, Jamie was the epitome of what it means to be a father — supportive, present, and lovingly invested in their happiness.

Jamie lived a life characterized by passion, generosity, and unwavering commitment. His legacy will continue to inspire, and his memory will be cherished forever by those lives he touched with his extraordinary spirit.

Memorial contributions in honor of Jamie may be made out to Pet Refuge.

In honor of Jamie and his love for the University of Michigan sports, his family has asked that everyone wear their best blues. Go Blue!

Visitation for Jamie will be on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm with a service to begin at 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St. Niles, MI 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 E Main St. Niles, MI 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Jamie’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

 

Stennis, Louis Edward Randolph, Jr. 1928-2024

editor Obituaries

Louis E.R. Stennis, Jr.
July 30, 1928 — February 28, 2024

Published on website of Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary

Louis Edward Randolph Stennis, Jr., age 95 years of Niles, Michigan; devout churchman, retired postal worker, honorable veteran, cousin, and friend to many died peacefully at 7:44 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at West Woods of Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on July 30, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Louis E.R. and Sarah Louise (Wilkes) Stennis, Sr. and moved as a child with his family to Milton Township, Michigan.  He was graduated from Edwardsburg (Michigan) High School in 1947, and continued his education at the former Western Michigan College (now University) in Kalamazoo majoring in Chemical Engineering.   College was interrupted by the military draft ordering him to report for induction into the United States Army.   He served most of his tour of duty in Korea as a personnel clerk, earning the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars for the campaigns in which he was involved.  He was also awarded the United Nations Service Medal, was promoted to Corporal in less than a year, and completed his two-year obligation with an Honorable Discharge.

Louis returned to college, earning a Bachelors Degree in Accounting, and then took his first job at the former Studebaker Automobile Assembly plant in South Bend, Indiana.   He eventually went back to Chicago, taking a civil service job with the United States Postal Service, first loading mail in airplanes at Midway Airport, and then loading mail in railroad cars, before moving to Chicago’s main post office where he served as a front counter clerk.  He was promoted to supervisor, and completed a thirty-year career, with retirement in 1988.   All of those years, he commuted home to Niles on the weekends, remaining an active part of the local community.

He was a near lifelong member of the Franklin African Methodist Episcopal Church in Niles, where he served many years on the Steward Board and the Missionary Society.  He volunteered as Director of the Parolee House, founded and supported by the Franklin AME congregation to ease the transition of women from incarceration to freedom and to become productive members of society.   He was a devoted historian, and enjoyed recording history through the lens of his camera, always careful to be behind the camera and out of the picture.  Every Sunday afternoon was devoted to visiting Franklin parishioners who had been unable to attend Sunday morning Worship, especially those residents of area assisted living facilities.

Louis was an active member of the Niles Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People – NAACP – and had a collection of U.S. Postage stamps and lobby posters which celebrated Black History that he displayed at fellowship breakfasts and other heritage centered gatherings.  In the early 2000’s he helped develop and present a program to raise awareness about AIDS and HIV, especially how those diseases disproportionately affect the Black and Latino communities, taught safe practices to avoid exposure, and encouraged acceptance of those who are affected by it.

When not at work, at church, or community activities, Louis enjoyed pursuing his interest in photography, and listening to pleasant jazz, often on the Elkhart Public Radio station WVPE.   He enjoyed the latest movies, always with a special group of friends whom he would chauffeur to the Niles premieres of the best films.  And he quietly and faithfully sent greeting cards – celebrations, birthdays, get-well, and condolence cards – to a long list of fellow church members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Stennis on October 28, 1973, and his father, Louis Sr. on April 5, 1987, and by several aunts and uncles.

Surviving Louis is his longtime fiancée, Cordelia Barlow of Chicago.   He had no children, and was an only child himself, but he is survived by several cousins including Lorri (& Randy) Brown and Sheila Flory as well as cousins Earnest Stennis, Charles (& Dorothy) Stennis, Rita (& Homer) Darden, Freddie Blanks, Bertie Blanks, Inez Rucker, Joel Hicks, William (& Carlotta) Downing, Carolyn Lewis, Anita Downing, Delphine Hicks, Rubin Lewis, Jennifer Hicks, Matthew Downing, and Phillip Hicks.  He will be sadly missed by several neighbors including, Bill Brovold and family, Lyle Bandurski, and Brenda Wozniak; and perhaps most greatly missed by his wonderful church family, including dear friend and collaborator in many missions, Georgia Boggs.

The funeral service for Louis Stennis will be at Noon on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the Franklin AME Church, 811 Sycamore Street in Niles with the Rev. Sandria Wilson of the church officiating.  Committal rites will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, and will conclude with Full Military Honors by the United States Army Honor Guard assisted by the American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan

A time of visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.  Contributions in memory of Louis may be made to the Franklin AME Church.  Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Online condolences and memories may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Louis’ 95 years clearly exceed the Biblical promise of 70 or by reason of strength, 80; and he used all of those years to serve others, in the military, at the Post Office, in his community, and at church; fulfilling the command to Love God and love people.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Louis E.R. Stennis, Jr., please visit our flower store.

Scanlon, Earl Jr. 1940-2024

editor Obituaries

Earl Scanlon Jr.
December 31, 1940-March 5, 2024

The Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:43 am Thursday, March 7, 2024.      

 Earl Scanlon Jr., fondly known to friends and family as “Squeak,” passed away on March 5, 2024, just a few months after celebrating his 83rd birthday. Born on Dec. 31, 1940, in Mishawaka, IN, Earl embodied the qualities of dedication, compassion, humility, and resilience throughout his life. An army veteran, his humble spirit belied the strength and courage he held within. Earl, a long-time resident of Niles, MI, was a retired truck driver in the transportation industry. His passion for driving was only rivaled by his love for his hobbies. Earl was an avid fisherman and hunter, and he also enjoyed working on bikes and go-karts, often using his mechanical skills to bring old machines back to life. His playful spirit led him to video games, an unexpected hobby that brought him much joy and laughter. Above all, Earl was a dedicated family man, placing his loved ones at the center of his universe. His compassionate nature was evident in the love and tenderness he showered upon his family. Earl is lovingly remembered by his children, Diana Worland, Patricia Scanlon, Earl Scanlon III, David Scanlon, Penny Nelson, and Donna Gentry; sons-in-law, Robert Ingle, Greg Nelson, and Greg Walsh; daughters-in-law Lisa Scanlon and Debbie Scanlon; sister, Kathy Davis, brother-in-law, Ernie Davis. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. Earl was preceded by his father, Earl Scanlon Sr., mother, Jewell Scanlon, beloved wife, Patricia Scanlon, son, Dewayne Scanlon, grandson, Scott Smith Jr, one brother, and 3 sisters. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 4 p.m., and on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Hoven Funeral Home, 414 East Front Street, Buchanan, MI. A service to celebrate and share Earl’s life will follow on March 13, 2024, at 12 p.m., at the same location. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI. We invite you to leave your precious memories of Earl and upload photos to his memorial page. It is through these shared memories, stories, and images that we can continue to keep Earl’s spirit alive in our hearts.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2024/03/07/earl-scanlon-jr/

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