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.

Hofferbert, Harriet I. (Hoover)

editor Obituaries

Harriet I. Hofferbert
Sept. 5, 1852-May 27, 1935

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, May 28, 1935, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH TAKES AGED RESIDENT OF NILES
Mrs. Harriet I. Hofferbert, 82, Succumbs Monday; Rites Wednesday.

Mrs. Harriet I. Hofferbert, 82, a resident of Niles since early childhood, died Monday afternoon at her home, 1315 Maple street. Her death was due to old age and complications.  She had been ill about two weeks.

Mrs. Hofferbert was the widow of George Hofferbert, who died in 1926. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hoover, who were among Niles early residents.

Mrs. Hofferbert was born in Pleasant Valley, Ind., Sept. 5, 1852. She was married May 17, 1877, to George Hofferbert at Mason township.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Fred A. Exner, Niles, and Mrs. Richard Edwards, Mishawaka, Ind.; two grandchildren, Lucile Edwards, Mishawaka, and Nordamyrth Exner, Niles; two brothers, Andrew Hoover, Parsonsburg, Md., and Elmer Hoover, Denver, Colo.; and two sisters, Mrs. S.E. Witmer, Niles, and Sarah Patterson, Riverside, Calif.

Funeral services will be held in the Rutherford Funeral chapel Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, with Mrs. Ila Wheeler officiating and burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends of the family may call at the Rutherford funeral home until the hour of the services.

 

Platt, Lester G.

editor Obituaries

Dr. Lester G. Platt
July 2, 1877-May 30, 1935

Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 31, 1935, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DR. PLATT DROPS DEAD ON ORCHARD HILLS GOLF COURSE
Widely Known Niles Dentist Dies After Playing Round; Seemed in Perfect Health

The sudden death of Dr. L.G. Platt at Orchard Hills Country club Thursday morning came as a shock to the community of which he had been a life-long member.

Dr. Platt's death occurred at 11:15 o'clock in the morning.  Dr. Platt, the Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, Floyd Wood and Harry O. Parker had just finished nine holes on the golf course and were about to tee off for the second round.  Dr. Platt went to his car and while removing a package was stricken suddenly with a heart attack.

Dr. Platt was 57 years old. He was born in Niles July 2, 1877 and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Platt.  He was married Dec. 27, 1905 in Niles to Gayle King, the Rev. Decoux, of Trinity Episcopal church performing the ceremony.

He was graduated from the University of Michigan college of dentistry in 1898.  He leaves beside his wife and daughter, Mrs. Harold Hanlin, of Buchanan, and a twin brother, Dr. Leslie W. Platt, Elkhart. Efforts are being made by police  and radio broadcast to locate the latter who is en route to California by motor.

Dr. Platt was a past master of St. Joseph Valley lodge No. 4, F.& A.M. and of Niles chapter R.A.M.  He also was a member and active worker in Trinity Episcopal church.

Funeral arrangements will not be completed until Dr. Platt's brother is located.

 

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 1, 1935, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Dr. Platt Rites Set Monday P.M.

Efforts to locate Dr. Leslie W. Platt, twin brother of Dr. Lester G. Platt through radio broadcasts have been unavailing. Dr. Lester Platt, who died Thursday morning, will be buried Monday afternoon.

The body will lie in state in Trinity Episcopal church of which he was a member, from 1 o'clock Monday until 2:15.  Services will be held at 2:30, the Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, rector of the Trinity church, officiating.

Besides the brother whom the family is attempting to locate and who is enroute by motor to California, Dr. Platt leaves his wife, Mrs. Gayle Platt, a daughter, Mrs. Harold Hanlin, of Buchanan, and an elder brother, Ralph Platt, in Denver.

 

 

 

Westfall, George C.

editor Obituaries

George C. Westfall
Oct. 9, 1868-May 30, 1935

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 1, 1935, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Westfall Rites Set

Funeral services for George C. Westfall, 68, who died Thursday morning at the home of Mrs. Raymond Parker, 637 North Fifth street, will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Price and Kiger funeral chapel, William Putnam officiating. Interment will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Note: DOB from death record

 

Zielenski, Thomas a/k/a Thomas Green

editor Obituaries

Thomas Zielinski
May 7, 1879-May 31, 1935

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 1, 1935, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

Thomas Zielinski Found Dead in His Home, 1609 Huron

Thomas Zielinski, 56, better known here as Thomas Green, was found dead in his home, 1609 Huron street, early Friday evening. His body was found by Roscoe Hipshier, by whom he was employed at the Niles Foundry, formerly known as the old Welling foundry.

Mr. Zielinski had been dead several hours, according to Coroner Louis Kerlikowske, who was summoned from St. Joseph.  Zielinski was last seen alive about 7:30 o'clock Friday mornng by Howard Weatherspoon, a neighbor. Zielinski lived alone.  His wife died several years ago in Poland.

Albert Zielinski, a brother, 616 South Brookfield avenue, South Bend, is the only surviving relative in America.  Two children are believed to be living in Poland.

Funeral services will be held in the Rutherford Funeral chapel this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock. Dr. Guy W. Simon will officiate and burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

 

Steele, Lillian (Freed)

editor Obituaries

Lillian M. Steele
Oct. 5, 1893-April 1, 1939

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 3, 1939, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

LILLIAN STEELE DIES SUDDENLY
Mother of Niles High Youth is Stricken in South Bend

Funeral services for Mrs. Lillian M. Steele, former Niles resident who died Saturday afternoon in Epworth hospital, South Bend, will be held at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon in the Rutherford funeral home.

The Rev. Guy W. Simon of the First Presbyterian church will officiate, with burial in Silverbrook cemetery.

Mrs. Steele's death came as a shock to her friends here. She was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage at 10 o'clock Saturday morning while working in the restaurant which she and her sister, Mrs. Addie High, operate in South Bend.

Mrs. Steele was born in Wakarusa, Ind., Oct. 5, 1893. She lived in Niles from 1933 until September of 1937 when she moved to South Bend.

Surviving are one son, Robert, a senior in Niles high school; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Freed, South Bend; three sisters, Mrs. High, Mrs. Mary Funkhouser and Mrs. Jessie Bowers, Elkhart, and one brother, Forrest Freed, Mishawaka.

Mrs. Steele was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Switchmen's union of Niles.

Friends may call at the funeral home.

 

 

Schnick, Lena (Mutz)

editor Obituaries

Lena (Mutz) Schnick
1885-Jan. 2, 1919

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, January 2, 1919, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

FORMER NILES YOUNG WOMAN DIED TODAY
Mrs. Henry Schnick, Daughter of Mr.a nd Mrs. Herman Mutzof Niles, Succumbs at Michigan City

Mrs. Henry Schnick, formerly Miss Lena Mutz of this city, passed away at michigan City at the early hour of 3:20 o'clock this morning, at the age of 33 years.  Her death followed a prolonged illness with a complication of diseases.

The deceased is survived by her husband, three small children, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Mutz, of Niles and the following brothers and sisters: August Mutz and Mrs. William Fedore of Niles, Rudolph and Mrs. Arthur Burt of Sturgis.

Mrs. Schnick's mother was called to Michigan City on Tuesday and was at the bedside of her daughter when she passed away.  Mrs. Schnick was well known in Niles where she was born and where she grew to young womanhood, and was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends who extend their sympathy to the relatives in their sorrow.

The funeral services will be held at Michigan City Sunday afternoon. Burial will occur there.[sic]

 

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, January 4, 1919, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral servcies for Mrs. Henry Schnick, who died at her home in Michigan City will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Mutz, Sycamore street, and at 2:30 o'clock from St. JOhn's church. Rev. F. Saffran will officiate.

 

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, January 6, 1919, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MRS. SCHNICK SUNDAY

Funeral services for Mrs. Henry Schnick were held Sunday afternoon from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Mutz, and from St John's church. Rev. Saffran conducted the services in the presence of a large gathering of the friends of the young woman.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery. The body was brought to Niles Saturday evening accompanid by the parents, the husband and three little children of the deceasd.

Among those from out of the city who attended the services were Henry Schnick and children, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Schnick, Paul and Arney Schnick, Mrs. Matilda Schnick, mother of Henry Schnick; Mr. and Mrs. Kapeishka, Mrs. Walgos and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Westfall, Mrs. Carl Westfall, all of Michigan City, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. R. Mutz and Mr. and Mrs. A. Burt and children of Sturgis, Mich.; Mrs George Schock and daughter Hilda of Bristol, Ind.

 

 

Vandenburg, Gertrude Elaine

editor Obituaries

Perley J. Vandenburg
Jan. 15, 1880--Dec. 19, 1918

Gertrude Elaine Vandenberg
Oct. 31, 1909-Dec. 19, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, December 26, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

BODY EXPECTED FROM WASHINGTON TOMORROW

The grim reaper calls two more of our loved ones.

Perley J. Vandenburg and his little daugher, Gertrude having both departed this life Thursday afternoon, Dec. 19th, at their home in Rosalia, Washington, having both been stricken with influenza.

Perley J. Vandenburg was born Jan. 15, 1898[sic] in Niles and was later reared on the farm north of Niles where he spent most of his life in that locality.

He graduated from the Berrien Springs high school in 1898.  He afterwards entered the profession of school teacher and taught several years. He received some of his education at Ferris Institute, Hillsdale college and attending school at Valparaiso, Ind.

In 1905 he was united in Marriage to Miss Verne Lybrook, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Lybrook, at Indian lake.

They left on their wedding trip for the state of Washington, locating at Waterville, where Mr. Vandenburg was engaged in the lumber business.

Later they moved to Othello, where he became manager of the lumber yards for Potlatch Lumber company.

At Rosalia, Washington, where they were living at the time of their deaths, he was manager of the Crabcreek Lumber company.  He was a good conversationalist and had a pleasing personality, thereby winning friends wherever he went.

Little Gertrude was about 10 years of age and we shall remember her as having such a sunny disposition. Mr. Vandenburg was a devoted husband and father.

He leaves to mourn him a grief-stricken wife and three sons--Frederick, Edward and Marion; a father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. M.H. Vandenburg, residing north of Niles; five brothers and three sisters: Fred at Pokagon; Grover, near Niles; Frank at Berrien Center, Mrs. Fred Lockinaw, at Fairland, Lena, Cleo, Henry and Lester at home.

Their bodies were shipped from Rosalia and were due to arrive here this afternoon.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Price chapel, with Rev. Dr. Lewis officiating. The Odd Fellows will take charge of funeral. Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.

 

Note: Date of birth for Perley J. Vandenburg from WWI Draft Registration@ancestry.com; date of birth for Gertrude Elaine Vandenburg from Washington Death Certificates 1907-1960@familysearch.org

Bottom Menu 1

Bottom Menu 2

Bottom Menu 4