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.

Crawford, Carol Mae 1938-2023

editor Obituaries

Carol Mae Crawford
October 23, 1938 - October 7, 2023 

Published on website of Hoven Funeral Home

Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Carol Mae Crawford, lovingly known as "Carrot" to her doting great-nieces and nephews. Born on October 23, 1938, Carol lived a full, spirited, and creative life until her peaceful passing on October 7, 2023. 

Raised in Watseka, Illinois, Carol was a radiant figure in her youth, crowned homecoming queen and recognized as a star volleyball player at Watseka High School. Following her high school years, she moved to Evanston, Illinois, where she served the community as a thoughtful and dedicated secretary in the field of education. Upon retirement, Carol relocated to Buchanan, Michigan, where she indulged in her hobbies of knitting, jewelry making, and antiquing. Carol had an artistic eye, often seen in her knack for refinishing antique furniture, which she pursued with a passion. Her creative endeavors were never just about the product but the process – a testament to her thoughtful and spirited approach to life. As Maya Angelou once said, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." This was certainly true for Carol, as her creativity was boundless, and she used it to bring joy and beauty to the world around her.

Carol is survived by her niece Julie Capron, nephew Mark (Elizabeth) McCray, and her cherished great-nieces and nephews Lauren Capron, Bailey (Danielle) Capron, Cameron (Cheyenne) McCray, Mason McCray, Macie (Robert) Wagner, Lindsey (Chase) Miller, and Ethan (Teagan) Rogers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Lillian Munson, her sister Connie Kiger, and her nephew Michael McCray. The graveside service will be held at the Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 10:30 am EDT. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. 

We invite those who knew Carol to share their memories and upload photos to the memorial page, to join us in remembering and celebrating the creative, loving, and spirited life of Carol Crawford. As we remember her, let us keep alive her spirit of creativity and love that touched so many lives. Carol was a firm believer in the words of Albert Schweitzer: "The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." Her memory lives on in the hearts of those she served and loved.

 

Perkey, Dorothy Elaine (Stark) 1928-2018

editor Obituaries

Dorothy Elaine Perkey
July 8, 1928-February 17, 2018

Published on website for Allred Funeral Home

Obituary

Dorothy Elaine Perkey, 89, of Benton Harbor, died Saturday morning, Feb. 17, 2018, at A Place Called Home in Dowagiac, following a long illness.

A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. Allred Funeral Home is serving the family, and online messages may be left at www.allredfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to Caring Circle Hospice.

Dot was born July 8, 1928, in Galien, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Rudell) Stark. She worked for many years as a bartender at Red Arrow Tap in Benton Heights, as well as answering phone for her son Terry’s A&A tree service business. Her leisure enjoyments included watching her son Randy and grandsons race their stock cars, playing bingo, and playing the slots once in a while. And she loved spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids.

Dot is survived by her husband, Teddy Perkey, whom she married December 23, 1974; three sons: Ronald Pressler Sr., Randy Pressler, Terry Pressler; son-in-law, Bruce Stover; grandchildren: Michele Bowen, Tonia (Tim) Williams, Kristina (Corey) Burks, Kimberly (Doug) Boal, Ronald (Tamara) Pressler Jr.,
Ronica Pressler, Cory (Lisa) Pressler, Nickolis Pressler, CJ Pressler, Ahron Myatt Pressler; 22 great-grandkids; and two great-great-grandkids.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, David Pressler; son, Russell Pressler; daughter, Barbara Stover; parents, six brothers, and two sisters.

 

Egmer, Carol A. (Peel) 1942-2023

editor Obituaries

Carol A. Egmer
December 24, 1942  -  October 26, 2023

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services
 

Obituary

Carol Ann Egmer, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023, in Niles, Michigan. Born on December 24, 1942, in Moss Creek, Pennsylvania, to Clair and Jennie (Butterworth) Peel, Carol was a beacon of kindness and warmth to all who knew her.

Carol was the sister to Harold Peel and the late Chris and Leon Peel. She graduated from Niles High School in 1964. After graduation, Carol embarked on a fulfilling career at Simplicity Pattern Co., where she dedicated 40 years of her life before retiring. Carol was married to the late Thomas Egmer for 49 years.

In her retirement, Carol found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved taking road trips with her family, exploring the country's diverse landscapes, and creating lasting memories, especially her trip to the Grand Canyon. Her love for travel also extended to cruising, a pastime she cherished and looked forward to each year. When at home Carol loved spending time with her cats, going to the casino, and she always looked forward to her Friday night card games with the family.

Carol was a loving mother to her three children, Sherri Egmer, Thomas Egmer, and Jennifer Archer. She was also a cherished sister to Harold (Sally) Peel. Grandmother to Jessica, Daniel, Thomas, Desiree, and Tyler and great-grandmother to Rylee, Eliza, Adrian, and Isabelle.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until Noon and funeral services will begin at Noon. Pastor Ryan Lutz will be officiating. Carol will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery next to her husband.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan located at 5400 South Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

 

Bata, Joseph A. 1925-2023

editor Obituaries
Joseph Alexander Bata Jr.

August 7, 1925 - March 22, 2023

Published on website for Hoven Funeral Home:

Obituary

U.S. Veteran

Joseph Alexander Bata Jr., 97, of Niles, MI, passed away peacefully on March 22nd at Cass County Medical Care Facility with his caretakers by his side.

Joe was born in South Bend, IN and attended Gitchell School, Niles, MI. He was baptized at Christ the King Church in South Bend, IN.

He served in the Navy during World War II. He was on the Minesweeper “The U.S.S. Strive” and saw action in the North and South Pacific.

Joe worked at both French Paper in Niles and Watervliet Paper in Watervliet.

He was an avid Milk Bottle collector and Fruit Jar Collector. He loved going to flea markets, digging for milk bottles especially with his son, Paul. He also loved to go to the Four Winds Casino in Dowagiac.

He married Nora Ann Bata and had one son and three daughters. He married Barbara Freas and had 2 stepchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bata; children, Paul (Joanne) Bata, Sue (Kevin) House, Mary (Scott) Krug; stepchildren, Beth (Bill) Hutter, Skip (Amy) Freas; and 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Nora, and daughter, Judy Brady.

The family of Joe would like to thank all the staff at Cass County Medical Care Facility for all the wonderful care he received and the kindness shown to him on a daily basis. We’d like to thank Steve Jacko especially for always treating him like a friend. He was well looked after by nurses, Jubilant, Kim, and also Linda, and Haley, who were with him as he was dying. They made his passing easier and we are especially grateful to them.

According to Joe’s wishes, he has been cremated and a family service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joe to Niles District Library, 620 E. Main St., Niles, MI 49120 or No Kid Hungry, payable to Share Our Strength, PO Box 715475, Philadelphia, PA 19171-5475. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

Chapman, Donald George 1932-2023

editor Obituaries

Donald Chapman
September 10, 1932 — March 13, 2023

Published on website for Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary

Donald George Chapman, age 90 years of Niles, Michigan; father, grandfather, uncle, quiet accountant, vocal sports fan, and honorable veteran died peacefully at 9:50 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023 with family at his bedside in Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana following a brief illness.

He was born on September 10, 1932 at home in Dowagiac, Michigan to Franklin and Frances (Moon) Chapman, and was graduated from Dowagiac Union High School.  He was employed as a welder at the former Dowagiac Steel Furnace Company before being inducted into the United States Army.  He was trained as a Radio Operator and served most of his two-year tour of duty at Fort Richardson, Alaska before being Honorably Discharged as a Corporal, and a veteran of the Korean Conflict.  He returned to Niles, taking employment in the business office of the Niles Daily Star.

A few years later, he began a career as an accountant in the offices of the former Mishawaka Rubber and Woolen Manufacturing Company – commonly known as the “Ball Band” plant for its red ball brand of  footwear – and retired from its 1967 successor, Uniroyal after 40 years of service.  All who were familiar with his remarkable work ethic were not surprised when he returned to the office the next Monday to serve as a consultant until the plant closing in 1997.

Don was a member of the former American Legion Post #26 in Niles.  He was an avid watcher of televised sports events, liking to watch golf and hockey, was a faithful fan of  Detroit Tigers baseball and Detroit Lions football, and was especially passionate about the University of Michigan football team.  When the television set was off, he was often reading about history with an great interest in World War II, or reading his subscriptions to the Detroit Free Press, the Chicago Tribune, and the daily readings in the Farmers’ Almanac.  He was kind and compassionate, a man of few words – choosing to use some of those words to express a very dry humor -  and above all, cared for his family.

On March 1, 1957 in Niles he married the former Ruth E. Welsh with whom he raised a family on  Louis Street, near the “new” high school.  Later in life, Ruth was affected by ALS, through which Don provided diligent and loving care to his wife.  They were able to celebrate the remarkable forty-ninth anniversary of their wedding – just 5 months short of their fiftieth – prior to Ruth’s death on October 13, 2006.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Jack Chapman, and Ruth’s nine siblings; and by Don’s special companion, Barbara Smallwood.

Surviving family includes their children, Christine Wilson of Lansing, Michigan, LuAnn (& Donald) Meyers of Niles, and Lynn (& Jeff) Culp of Muncie, Indiana; grandchildren Erin Suddeth, Matt (& Alison) Kidwell, Justin (& Tiffany) Wilson, Sr., and step-grandsons Chad (& Lataya) Meyers and Eric Meyers; great-grandchildren Annalise Wilson, Justin Wilson, Jr., Emily Morgan Kidwell, Avery Kidwell, Natalia Faith Suddeth, and step-great-grandchildren Caleb Wilson, Lili Meyers, Isaiah Powell, Jasmine Scott, and D.J. Scott; Don’s sister-in-law, Anna (Mrs. Jack) Chapman, and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Don Chapman will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Committal rites with Full Military Honors will be private, at a later date, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.  The visitation will be available online on the Halbritter-Wickens Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices/ .

Contributions in memory of Don may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida, 32256, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ ; or to place a memorial brick at the Niles Riverfront Veteran’s Memorial, c/o Niles City Hall; 333 North Second Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120, https://www.nilesmi.org/community/events_information/veterans_memorial_dedication.php . Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Ninety years is a wonderfully long life, and Don used those years in a quietly wonderful manner, serving his country both in the military and as a productive employee, finding pleasure as a spectator to sports and as an active reader of both current events and history, and raising a successful family with the loving partnership of Ruth.

Waldo, Ronald Eugene 1958-2023

editor Obituaries

Ronald "Gene" Eugene Waldo
August 12, 1958 - May 8, 2023

Published on website of Hoven Funeral Home:

Obituary

Ronald “Gene” Eugene Waldo, 64, of Niles, MI, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Ronald was born August 12, 1958 in Niles, MI.

He is survived by his mother, Treva Merrill of Niles, MI; son, Ronald (Amanda) Waldo of Leesville, LA; sister, Bonnie (Orren) Waldo-Vann of Keizer, OR; grandchildren, Carson, Hunter, Ellie, and Ava of Leesville, LA, Riley of Georgia; aunts, Geneva (Jim) Lintz, Pat (Dennis) Nichols both of Niles, MI; uncle, Kenneth Tucker of Niles, MI; and several cousins.

Ronald is preceded in death by his stepfather, Derwood Merrill; and grandparents, Carroll and Tina Tucker.

Graveside service for Ronald will be held at 10 am on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI. Celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

Purcell, Diane Healy 1937-2022

editor Obituaries
Diane Healy Purcell

May 4, 1937 - August 22, 2022

 
Published on website for Hoven Funeral Home:
 

Obituary

 

Diane Healy Purcell, 85, of Niles, Michigan passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by family on Monday, August 22, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Diane was born in Mishawaka, Indiana to M. Virgil and Anna E. Healy (Shaper).
Diane lived in Niles all her life where she graduated from N.H.S. in 1955. She taught piano for numerous years to many area children. Her passion for literature showed while working in area retail bookstores until she retired in 2019. Diane spent time volunteering at Lakeland hospital and was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles. Diane was a woman of many hobbies: including cooking, knitting, sewing, reading, music, bird watching, art, gardening, attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals.
Surviving family includes former husbands David Purcell and Lou Crouch with whom she shared children: Michael (Jana) Crouch, Brian (Patty) Crouch, David (Joy) Crouch, Dennis (Mary Ann) Crouch, and Elizabeth (Mike) Martin. Grandchildren: Michelle Crouch, Jason (Pam) Crouch, Chris (Sarah) Crouch, Jon Crouch, Delaney (Bryan) Martin, Crystal (Aaron) Acevedo, Jessica (Kyle) Low, Cricket (Josh) Nelson, Lea (Tad) Germann, and Marc Fisher. Diane had more than 10 great-grandchildren, including former son-in-law Dave Fisher, former step daughter April (Roger) West, former step son-in-law Brian (Jacob and Samuel) Shafer, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents, M. Virgil and Anna E. Healy, brother Keith (Mary Jayne) Healy, sisters Linda (Jim) Stephens and Kathleen (Gary) Hall. The family would like to take this opportunity sincerely thank the many members of Caring Circle of Spectrum Health Lakeland for the exceptional care received by Diane during the last year of her life.
Services for Diane will be held by the family in the spring of 2023 so that all of her family can gather and celebrate her together. Details of the service will be announced by family at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com. 

Bottom Menu 1

Bottom Menu 2

Bottom Menu 4