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.

McNeal, Edele Nancy (Robinson)

Edele Nancy McNeal
Feb. 22, 1907-May 11, 1942


Niles Daily Star, Monday, May 11, 1942, page 2, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

EDELE MCNEAL, 35, TAKEN BY DEATH

 

Mrs. Edele Nancy McNeal, 35, died at 2:30 this morning in her home at 317 North Sixth street after an illness of five months. She was born Feb. 22, 1907 at Columbia, S.C., and came to Niles 18 years ago from Detroit.

She was a member of the Silent Workers' club.

Mrs. McNeal leaves a daughter, Raymell, at home; a sister, Miss Sarah Robinson, Columbia, S.C. and four brothers, Ernest Robinson, Philadelphia, Pa.; Samuel and Walter Robinson, both of Detroit; and Charles Robinson, Columbia, S.C.


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, May 13, 1942, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

McNEAL SERVICES


Services for Mrs. Edele Nancy McNeal, 35, who died Monday in her home at 317 North Sixth street, were conducted Wednesday afternoon in the Second Baptist church by the Rev. L.L. Lemon. Burial was in Silverbrook cemetery.

Young, Anna (Hoban)

Mrs. Anna Hoban Young
Jan. 13, 1866-May 11, 1942


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, May 12, 1942, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


Mrs. Anna Young, 76, Dies in Home; Ill Three Months

 

Mrs. Anna Hoban Young, 76, who lived in the Niles area all her life, died at 11:20 Monday night in her home on Route 3 after an illness of three months.  She was born Jan. 13, 1866, in Niles and was married to Howard S. Young on Feb. 19, 1901, in St. Mary's rectory.

Mrs. Young leaves her husband, Howard S., and a son, Theron, at home and three sisters, Miss Florence Hoban and Mrs. R.N. Lovett, both Detroit; and Mrs. H.L. Burbero, Dearborn.

Friends may call at the Price and Kiger chapel.


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, May 13, 1942, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

YOUNG RITES


Services for Mrs. Anna Hoban Young, 76, who died Monday night in her home on Route 3, will be conducted at 10 Friday morning in St. Mary's Catholic church by the Rev. Father Joseph Rochford. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends may call at the Price and Kiger chapel. Women of St. Mary's parish will meet at 8 Thursday night to say the rosary.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 14, 1942, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

YOUNG FUNERAL


Services for Mrs. Anna Hoban Young, 76, who died Monday night in her home on Route 3, will be conducted at 10 Friday morning by the Rev. Fr. Joseph Rochford in St. Mary's Catholic church. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends may call at the Price and Kiger chapel. Women of St. Mary's parish will meet at 8 tonight to say the rosary.

Schmidt, Charles F.

Charles F. Schmidt
March 28, 1893-May 13, 1942


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, May 13, 1942, page 2, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

CHARLES SCHMIDT TAKEN BY DEATH

 

Charles F. Schmidt, 49, of 701 North Thirteenth street, died at 2:45 this morning in Pawating hospital after an illness of about two years.  He was born March 28, 1893, at Red Bud, Ill., was married to Miss Marie Sizckmann on June 22, 1919, at Rosebud, Mo., and came to Niles about six years ago from Gary, Ind., He was a tavern keeper.

Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Mrs. Benny Szweda, Niles; a granddaughter, Sue Ann Szweda, Niles; a sister, Mrs. Gus Lork, Niles, and three brothers, Oliver, Valparaiso, Ind.; Ralph, Gary, and Clarence, Chicago, Ill. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Friends may call at the Price and Kiger chapel until 1 Friday afternoon when the body will be removed to St. Paul's Lutheran church where services will be conducted at 4 by the Rev. Theodore Laesch. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 14, 1942, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

SCHMIDT RITES


Services for Charles F. Schmidt, 49, of 701 North Thirteenth street, who died Wednesday morning in Pawating hospital, will be conducted at 4 Friday afternoon by the Rev. Theodore Laesch in St. Paul's Lutheran church. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.  Friends may call at the Price and Kiger chapel until 1 Friday afternoon when the body will be removed to the church.

Bither, Alma (Dye)

Mrs. A.F. (Alma Dye)Bither
June 25, 1863-May 29, 1919


Niles Daily Star, Saturday, May 31, 1919, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. BITHER

 

Mrs. A.F. Bither, 418 south Third streeet, died Thursday night at 8:45 o'clock, following a three months' illness of complications. Mrs. Bither was born in New York June 25, 1863, and with her parents moved to Niles when she was very young.

She was united in marriage to A.F. Bither April 23, 1896.

Early in life Mrs. Bither united with the Baptist church and has always been an energetic church worker.

Besides the husband, she is survived by a brother, Frank G. Dye of South Bend and two step-children, Mrs. Bernice Reamer of Detroit, and Fred Bither of Grand Rapids.

Private funeral services were conducted from the residence at 2:30 this afternoon.  The Ladies' Social club, a few very intimate friends and the family were present. The services were conducted by Rev. A.W. Lyons, of the Baptist church and interment made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Those from out of town attending the funeral were:  Frank G. Dye, Mrs. R. Mumaw and Mrs. Reamer of South Bend; Mrs. Murphy, Parkridge, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Bert LaDew of Oak Park, Ill.; John Bither, Muskegon; Mrs. Fred Bond, M.G. Mangold and Dr. and Mrs. Sherman Gregg and son of Kalamazoo, Sumner Reamer, Detroit and Mrs. Fred Bither of Grand Rapids.

 

 

 

Lennartz, Katherine

Katherine Lennartz
April 12, 1841-July 10, 1916

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, July 10, 1916, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED WHILE READING BIBLE

Mrs. Lennartz, Mother of Mrs. John Baumann, Was Found Dead in Her Room This Morning

 

Mrs. Katherine Lennartz died this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Baumann, 199 St. Joseph avenue, where she has resided since coming to Niles from South Bend about 15 years ago.  Mrs. Lennartz had for a number of years been a sufferer from a complication of diseases.  This morning she appeared in her usual health and was about the house. Abut 10:30 o'clock Mrs. Baumann went to her mother's room and found her lying upon the floor dead. The doctors who were called state that she had been dead but a few minutes before her daughter entered the room. Mrs. Lennartz had [illegible]she had been reading according to a custom followed daily for many years.

The deceased was born in Germany 75 years ago. She was married in South Bend to Lambert Lennartz, who died about 16 years ago.

Mrs. Baumann was the only child of the deceased. Mrs. Andrew Schwarz of South Bend, a sister, also survives, and another sister in Germany.

Mrs. Lennartz was highly respected by a large number of friends.

The funeral services will probably be held Wednesday afternoon.

 

Nieb, Caroline (Hansler)

Mrs. John (Caroline Hansler) Nieb
Aug. 2, 1859-July 7, 1916


Niles Daily Sun, Monday, July 10, 1916, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. JOHN NIEB SUNDAY

Deceased Was Born in Niles and Highly Regarded

 

Mrs. John Nieb passed away Friday after several years of illness.  Her demise is regretted by a very large number of friends and relatives.  No one in this community enjoyed a reputation of a more true and motherly or neighborly spirit than she. Her nature was one of sweetness and kindness notwithstanding the fact that she managed her household with firmness and ability.

Mrs. Nieb has been a very patient sufferer for some time and passed away July 7.  Her sister, Mrs. George Weigle, of Pomona, Cal., was sent for and assisted in caring for her until she received word of the sudden illness of her husband at home in response to which she left immediately for the west, but arrived too late, Mr. Weigle having passed away the day before she arrived home.

Mrs. Nieb's maiden name was Caroline Hansler. He was born in Niles August 2, 1859. She was married to John Nieb about 37 years ago.  She has always lived in this vicinity excepting short periods in Buchanan, Three Oaks and California. Among those that will miss her most are her husband, sons, Lute and Raymond and daughter, Velma, all at home. She leaves one grand-daughter, Hazel, two sisters, Mrs. George Weigle and Mrs. Hugo Schwichtenberg of Pomona, Cal., and John of Riverside, Cal.

The funeral services were held yesterday at the home, two and a half miles northwest of the city.  Rev. Rahn of the St. John's German church, of which the deceased was a member officiating. The funeral procession consisted of all automobiles, the first of its kind held in Niles.

Those from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. John Siddig, George Siddig, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Nolan and Mrs. Trowbridge of Three Oaks; Mr. and Mrs. August Knott of Holcomb, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Nieb, Mrs. Nora Hyke and son, Irwin, and Mr. and Mrs. Gus Klingbell of Mishawaka, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. Dolph Sackman, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sackman and Mrs. John Wolf of River Park, Ind., and Mr. and Mrs. Chris Koenigshop of Dayton, Mich.

 

Jennings, Allizina

Allizina "Allie" Jennings
Oct. 18, 1893-June 25, 1921


DEATH CLAIMS MISS JENNINGS

Funeral Services for Well Known Young Woman Held This Afternoon at Presbyterian Church.

 

This afternoon at the Presbyterian church, funeral services were conducted by Rev. H.T. Scherer, for one of the most devoted of its members, Miss Allie Jennings, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Jennings, 311 north Second street, who died Saturday afternoon about 5 o'clock. The body was laid to rest in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery amid a wealth of beautiful floral tributes.

Allizina Jennings was born in Niles Oct. 18, 1893, and had always resided here. She attended the Niles public schools and was graduated with the class of 1915, an event which was saddened for her by the death of her only brother, Jacob Jennings, who died just a few days before the commencement day exercises.

When a very young girl, Miss Jennings, united with the Presbyterian church, and throughout her life she was faithful in attendance and in performing whatever duties devolved upon her.  She was a member of the Sunday school and Westminster Guild, at the time of her death, and had been a member of the Christian Endeavor society of the church and also a member of the large chorus choir which sang for several years in the church, and her death is the first among the members of that choir.     She had been in ill health for a number of years but had bravely fought to regain her health but in spite of the skill of physicians she continued to fail. About three months ago Miss Jennings' condition became alarming, and she grew steadily weaker until the end came. Through her long illness she was patient and cheerful. She was of a happy, hopeful disposition and readily made friends and many mourn her death and sympathize with the stricken parents in the untimely death of their only daughter.

Miss Jennings was a member of the Niles Hive, No. 39, L.O.T.M., and of New Century Rebekah lodge.

 

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, June 27, 1921, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library