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.

Low, Rosemary E. (Clark) 1930-2020

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Rosemary E. Low, of Niles
Aug. 30, 1930-Dec. 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:25 pm Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Rosemary E. Low, 90, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, of natural causes.
She was born Aug., 18, 1930, in Niles, to Goldie and William Clark.

Rosemary E. Low (Clark)

A graduate of Niles High School, Rose was a registered nurse and veteran of the U. S. Air Force (retired, Vietnam War era) also a nurse with the Veterans Administration (retired) and attended Wesley United Methodist Church. After her second retirement, she returned and made her home, in Niles. She was a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Preceding Rose in death were her parents; and her husband, Joseph N. Low; and siblings, Howard, Wilma, Myrtle; and step-sister, Elnora. Survivors include two nephews and stepsons, John N. Low, of Newark, Ohio, Joseph C. Low, of South Bend; and niece, Barbara Schrouder, of Niles. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, in Hoven Funeral Home, Inc., of Buchanan. Guests are reminded to wear a mask and practice safe social distancing. Burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery, in Niles, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband and sister. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pet Refuge Inc., 2300 W. 6th St., Mishawaka, IN 46554.
“After the Clouds, the Sunshine, After the Winter, the Spring, After the Shower, the Rainbow, For life is a changeable thing; After the Night, the Morning, Bidding all darkness cease, After life’s Cares and Troubles, The Comfort and Sweetness of Peace.” 
Please also take these words of comfort. “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habbakkuk 3:18
Online condolences may be sent to hovenfunerals.com. Hoven Funeral Home, Inc., of Buchanan is handling arrangements for the family.

Stevenson, James Joseph 1930-2020

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James Stevenson, of Niles
Jan. 4, 1930-Dec. 3, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:57 pm Friday, December 11, 2020

James Stevenson, 90, of Niles, passed Thursday, December 3, 2020 at his home. Graveside service were on Dec. 7, 2020, at Silverbrook Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. BrownFuneralhomeNiles.com.

Link to:  Brown Funeral Home obituary below:

Obituary of James Joseph Stevenson

James J. Stevenson, 90, of Niles passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020 at his home. On a very cold January 4, 1930 the late William and LaVerna (Payne) Stevenson in Clay County, Indiana welcomed their son. James was a graduate of Coalmont High School, class of 1948. He enlisted at the age of sixteen in the United States Army and served his country proudly in Korea at the beginning of the Korean War. Upon returning from his service he wed Marilyn Fisher on July 14, 1951 at a ceremony in Sullivan County, Indiana. They just recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. A short time after their marriage, Jim and Marilyn came to Niles where he was employed by National Standard for many years until his retirement. During retirement he enjoyed his time at Niles Precision Company where he drove a delivery van. James made lifelong friends through his love of golf and bowling. James and Marilyn have been faithful member of Summit Church in Niles. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; William, Charles, Robert and Harvey Stevenson and his sisters; Susan Rehmel and Anna Denny. Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn Stevenson of Niles; his sons, David Stevenson of Berrien Springs and Brian (Jacki) Stevenson of Niles, and his granddaughters, Jena and Rachel Stevenson, both of Niles. He is also survived by his sister, Wilma Cochran of Coalmont, Indiana, his brother Warren (June) Stevenson of Lewis, Indiana as well as many nieces and nephews. A graveside service for Jim will take place on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Silverbrook Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Jim have been asked to consider Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085. Condolences, photos, and memories can be left for Jim’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

Kuelbs, Nanette M. (Eichler) 1952-2020

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Nanette M. Kuelbs, of Niles
Aug. 11, 1952-Nov. 27, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:03 am Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Nanette M. Kuelbs, 68, of Niles, passed away on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, at her home. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home in Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Brown Funeral Home: 

https://brownfuneral.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/2993/Nanette-Kuelbs/obituary.html#tribute-start

Obituary of Nanette Marie Kuelbs

Nanette Marie Kuelbs, 68, of Niles, Michigan, passed away on November 27, 2020, peacefully in her home. Nanette was born on August 11, 1952, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Clarence and Joyce (Kelly) Eichler. She attended St. Joseph High School and graduated with the class of 1970. Nanette worked at Clark Equipment in Benton Harbor. Later she worked various jobs within Brandywine schools, including the cafeteria, managing the Bobcat Spirit Store, and as a Special Education Teacher's Aide. She developed a close relationship with so many of the teachers, administrators, and students at the schools. It was a great joy to her to help teach the Special Education students valuable everyday life skills. Nanette enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors - from the wild woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. She could sit for hours at her and Don's cabin just enjoying the quiet and watching the woods. Nothing brought her more joy than her cabin filled with her grandchildren, son, and daughter-in-law. You could also find her relaxing to the sound of the surf in Cabo San Lucas, and maybe waiting for the happy hour bell to sound for a margarita. Nanette is survived by her loving husband, Donald Kuelbs, of Niles; her son, Michael (Courtney) of Granger; her grandchildren, the light of her life, Abigail, Luke, and Samuel; her sisters Pamela Jennings (Michael) of Berrien Springs and Patricia Frego (Mark) of Brighton, MI; her parents Clarence and Joyce Eichler of St. Joseph. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Ronald Kuelbs (Gail) of Coloma and John Kuelbs of Watervliet. Memorial donations may be made to the Michigan Children with Special Needs Fund, P.O. Box 30734, Lansing, MI 48909 (https://www.michigan.gov/csnfund/). At Nanette's request, a private viewing for immediate family will be held at Brown Funeral Home of Niles.

Bennett, Kelly Logan 1965-2020

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Kelly Logan Bennett
July 8, 1965-Dec. 13, 2020

Brown Funeral Home website:

Link to obituary below on Brown Funeral home website

Obituary of Kelly Logan Bennett

Kelly Logan Bennett, “Kel Baby” 55, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020, at his home. He was born on July 8, 1965, in Niles, Michigan, to Rockford and Joyce (Wall) Bennett. Kelly was a devoted family man; there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for any of them. He enjoyed working on cars, riding his Harley, and listening to some great music. In his free time, he liked to watch Western movies and television shows. He was preceded in death by his father, Rockford D. Bennett; grandparents, Arland and Opal Wall; Don and Louise Bennett. Kelly is survived by his mother, Joyce Bennett of Niles; siblings, Zelphia Quick of South Bend; Nancy Ferrell of Berrien Springs; Matt Bennett of Niles; Angela Kessick of Niles; and Cory Bennett of Niles; daughter, Belize Bennett of Niles; step-children, Charles (Joey) Alvord of Niles; Fawn Schram of Niles; Charles Biggs of Niles’ Teila Biggs of Lake Placid, Florida; James Biggs of Dowagiac; Emily Biggs of Lake Placid, Florida; eighteen step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild; along with a host of nieces and nephews. A time of visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, December 21, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St, Niles. Due to the recent limit of 25 people at a time placed on funerals by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services the family asks that anyone wishing to visit or see Kelly one last time do so during the visitation where people will be able to walk through to pay their last respects while socially distant. The State of Michigan requires all in attendance to follow all guidelines including, social distancing, mandatory mask, and sanitizing. We appreciate your assistance in helping us to keep everyone healthy in attendance. Memorial contributions may be made to his family, in care of his sister Zelphia, or to Brown Funeral Home, via the website.

Whisenant, Patsy Marjorie (Prillwitz) 1945-2020

editor Obituaries

Patsy Marjorie “Pat” Whisenant, of Niles
March 23, 1945-Dec. 27, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:38 pm Wednesday, December 30, 2020

March 23, 1945 — Dec. 27, 2020

Patsy Marjorie “Pat” Whisenant, 75, of Niles, wife, mother, sister, quilter, crafter and Hallmark movie fan, died peacefully at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, with her family at her bedside in her home following a brief illness.

She was born on March 23, 1945, in South Bend, Indiana to Robert Roy and Marjorie Josephine (Atha) Prillwitz and was graduated from Brandywine High School in Niles. As a young lady, she was employed in the kitchen of the former Maggie’s 31 Grill on 11th Street across from the former Dixie Sports Land golf driving range and the former Niles Outdoor (drive-in) Theater. She has lived in Niles all of her life.

Pat was a member of the Community Evangelical Free Church in Niles, often referred to as the “E-Free” church in the old Bertrand Schoolhouse. She was an active quilter and enjoyed other crafts including ceramics, and had recently completed her first gingerbread house. She and her husband made regular visits to the Plaza Restaurant followed by a movie at the Ready Theater. More recently she has enjoyed the Hallmark television channel, especially the Countdown to Christmas and Christmas in July.

On Aug. 2, 1963, in Eau Claire, Michigan she married William Joseph Whisenant, with whom she celebrated the remarkable 50th anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on Feb. 4, 2014. They were sadly preceded in death by a son, William T. “Billy” Whisenant on March 6, 2002; and by Pat’s sister, Linda Lou Prillwitz in 1970.

Surviving family includes son Rob (& Carrie) Whisenant, of Niles; grandchildren William Charles Whisenant and Charles Franklin Whisenant; and Pat’s sister, Shirley Prillwitz, of Niles.

The memorial service for Pat Whisenant will be hosted by the Community Evangelical Free Church, 120 E. Bertrand Road in Niles, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2020, with Pastor Matt Hickok of the church officiating. Masks will be required and social distancing practiced. Committal services will be private, earlier, at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main Street in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

While Pat enjoyed the fictional inter-personal relationships portrayed in movies and Hallmark programming, she dedicated her life to real-life, God-given relationships, being the wife, mother, housekeeper, and homemaker that blessed her family, especially her husband and children.

Rogge, Jeanne Louise (Dudek) 1959-2020

editor Obituaries

Jeanne Rogge, of Niles,
Dec. 3, 1959-Dec. 23, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:14 pm Monday, December 28, 2020

Jeanne Rogge, 61, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan. Arrangements are currently pending with Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

 

Brown Funeral Home:

 https://brownfuneral.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/3030/Jeanne-Rogge/obituary.html#tribute-start

Obituary of Jeanne Louise Rogge

Jeanne L. Rogge, 61, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan, following an illness. She was born on December 3, 1959 in Mt. Greenwood, Illinois to the late Joseph and Bernice (Sinkler) Dudak. Jeanne graduated from Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, class of 1978. She owned and operated Jeannie’s House Diner in Niles as well as South Bend. On December 11, 1995 Jeanne married Paul Rogge at a ceremony in Alsip, Illinois. Jeanne was an animal lover, especially dogs. She had rescued a variety of dogs throughout her life and was an avid supporter of shelters. She always had donation receptacles for the Pet Refuge at her diners. Jeanne was known not only for her soft spot for animals but also for her homemade jams and fresh house made food she served at her diners. She never let her pain get in the way of how hard she worked all her life. She spent time outside of the diner with her husband, children, and her dog Izzie. She enjoyed boat rides, eating at local restaurants, cheering on her two favorite football teams: Notre Dame and The Bears, playing games around the dinner table, and cracking a cold one with family and friends. Jeanne was never afraid to tell an inappropriate joke and laugh hysterically with the people around her, her laugh and smile was one you can’t forget. She is survived by her husband, Paul Rogge of Niles; her children, Jamie Elder of California, Halie Rogge of Niles, Justine Rogge of Buchanan and James Rogge of Granger; her siblings, John (Char) Dudak of Orland Park, Illinois, Shirley (Mike) McDonnell of Frankfort, Illinois and Janet (Joe) Corbin of Las Vegas Nevada as well as several nieces, nephews and other family members. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with limited seating, due to Covid-19. An internment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery. Funeral services will be available for viewing Wednesday evening on our website. Memorial contributions may be made in Jeanne’s memory to Pet Refuge, Inc. 4626 S. Burnett Drive, South Bend, Indiana 46614. Memories of Jeanne may be left for her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Jeanne’s heart of compassion, love for animals, attention to her customers and dedication to her family will be greatly missed by many. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Solloway, Rodney D. Sr. 1960-2020

editor Obituaries

Rodney D. Solloway Sr., of Niles
Oct. 20, 1960-Dec. 16, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:34 pm Thursday, December 24, 2020

Rodney D. Solloway Sr., 60, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at his home.

Rodney “Rod” “Papa Rod” was born on Oct. 20, 1960, in South Bend, to the late James “Jim” and Kathryn (Keieger) Solloway.

He married the former Teresa Johnson on Nov. 4, 1978, in Niles. To that union, four children were born.

Rodney D. Solloway Sr.

He started working as a young man; he would help his dad with logging. It became more than a job for him, as he enjoyed logging for several years. Eventually, he went to work driving truck for Kenneth Smith Trucking, INC.

Rodney enjoyed being outdoors; traveling, fishing, camping, cutting and splitting firewood, or watching his boy’s trailer race. His most treasured moments were spent with his family, playing cards, telling jokes or spoiling his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Kathryn Solloway; four brothers, John C. Solloway, Chubb Solloway, Dennis Solloway and Steven Solloway.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Teresa Solloway, of Niles; children, Amy (Rob) Allbaugh, of Cassopolis, Billie (Justin) Johnson, of Niles, Krissy (Todd) Yeager, of Dowagiac, Rodney (Amber) Solloway Jr., of Niles; eight grandchildren, Richard, Dakota, Hannah, Shelby, Mason, Colton, Mallory, Lucas; and one grandchild on the way; siblings, Marsha Burtick, of Cassopolis, Vickie Berger, of South Bend, Charlene Vickers, of Elkhart; Susan Solloway, of Elkhart, and Gary Solloway; brother and sister by heart, Wiz and Cindy Wolkens.

A walk through visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St., in Niles. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, also at Brown Funeral Home, burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. 

In keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines, our gathering is limited, the state of Michigan requires all in attendance to follow all guidelines including, social distancing, mandatory mask and hand sanitizing. We appreciate your assistance in helping us to keep everyone in attendance healthy.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to the family in care of his wife Teresa.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

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