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.

Grant, Lisa Michelle

Lisa Michelle Grant, of Niles
Oct. 31, 1961-June 28, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:10 am Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Oct. 31, 1961 — June 28, 2019

Lisa Michelle Grant, 57, of Niles, died peacefully at 10:20 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019, at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan following an extended illness.

She was born on Oct. 31, 1961, in South Bend, to Howard A. and Barbara J. (Craw) Grant.

Lisa Michelle Grant

She was graduated from Niles High School, with the class of 1980, and has lived in Niles all of her life. She was employed at the Niles Pizza Hut for 15 years, and the management celebrated that remarkable longevity on the Pizza Hut crew.

Lisa attended the Wesley United Methodist Church, in Niles, with her family as a child, but later completed the steps to join the Episcopal church and became a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, in Niles. She enjoyed traveling with her family to Germany, South America and Key West, Florida. She was always an independent woman and often traveled alone, whether taking the South Shore Line to Chicago or driving to local destinations. She had a remarkable memory for details in areas that fascinated her, including friends and acquaintances who were pleased when Lisa would remember special concerns from previous visits. She also enjoyed aviation history, sharing accurate details of specific events in an expert manner. But her greatest interest was animals, including horses and dogs, especially border collies like her pet, Hollie.

Lisa was sadly preceded in death just two months ago on April 16, 2019, by her mother, Barbara J. Grant, with whom she had lived most of her life. She was also preceded in death by her father, Howard A. Grant, on April 20, 1994; and by a brother-in-law, William R. Holmes Jr., on May 3, 2000.

Surviving family includes her sister, Christine J. Holmes, of Niles; nieces Michelle Holmes and her son Ethan, Emily (Shawn) Williams, Jessica Holmes and her daughter, Hannah, and Katherine (Andrew Ream) Holmes and their children, Drew and Parker; and Lisa’s uncle, Harlan “Mike” (Kay) Craw, of Berrien Springs, Michigan; and a great circle of wonderful friends.

The Episcopal Funeral Rite for Lisa Grant will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2019, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9 S. Fourth St. Niles, by The Reverend James Slack, retired. The Committal Rite will be private, later, at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday.

Contributions in memory of Lisa may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 9 S. Fourth St., Niles, MI 49120. trinityepiscopalniles.org/. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Hagey, Christine M.

Christine M. Hagey, of Niles
SEPTEMBER 24, 1947-SEPTEMBER 10, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:56 am Friday, September 13, 2019

Christine M. Hagey, 71, of Niles, died unexpectedly on Tuesday at Spectrum Lakeland Niles. Arrangements are at the Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, in Niles.

AND https://www.halbritterwickens.com/notices/Christine-Hagey

Christine Mary Hagey

SEPTEMBER 24, 1947 ~ SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 (AGE 71)

Christine Mary Hagey, age 71 years of Niles, Michigan died unexpectedly at 2:08 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 with family gathered around in the Emergency Department of Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital – Niles.

She was born on September 24, 1947 at that same hospital – then Pawating Hospital – in Niles to Emil Joseph and Helen (Brothers) Minarik.  She was graduated from Brandywine High School, and has lived in the Bertrand community all of her life.  She was employed for several years in the instrument repair shop at the former South Bend store of The Woodwind & Brasswind.

Christine enjoyed going to the local movie theater for a wide variety of movies, and going shopping, always in the company of a friend or her daughter.  She also maintained a flower garden at home, but her greatest interest was caring for her family, and especially her grandsons.  They were frequent visitors, including overnights, and were taught to read by Grandma long before they would learn at school.

Surviving family includes her daughter, Gwen (& Sgt. Paul, U.S.Army N.G.) Shirk of Niles; grandsons Taran Shirk and Elijah Shirk; an aunt, Lucia Hendershott of Niles; several cousins; and Christine’s companion, José Hernandez.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Helen Minarik, and by several aunts and uncles.

Graveside Services for Christine Hagey will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 East Main Street in Niles with Pastor Matthew Hickok of the Community Evangelical Free Church in Niles officiating.  Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. 

Lawrence, Ronald Melvin

Ronald Melvin Lawrence, of Niles
Aug. 12, 1935-Sept. 18, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:07 am Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Aug. 12, 1935 — Sept. 16, 2019

Ronald Melvin Lawrence, 84, passed away at 2:45 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, in Riveridge Manor.

Ronald was born on Aug. 12, 1935, in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Melvin and Stella Lawrence. Ronald was also preceded in death by stepbrother, Bernard; and stepsister, Berniece.

Ronald is survived by his daughters, Rhonda (Kevin) Muck, Susan Devereaux, and Mary (William Esler) Jacobs; and grandchildren, Zachary Devereaux, Ashley Devereaux.

Ronald retired from Simplicity Pattern where he was a machine binder. He enjoyed having coffee at Martin’s. Ronald was very religious and active in the First Church of God.

Family and friends may gather for a Graveside Service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, at Silverbrook Cemetery. Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Elara Caring, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202.

Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterwickens.com.

Jann, William L. Jr.

William L. “Junior” Jann Jr., of Niles
Nov 20, 1964-July 19, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:28 am Wednesday, July 24, 2019

 
 
 
 

Nov. 20, 1964 — July 19, 2019

William L. “Junior” Jann Jr., 54, of Niles, passed away unexpectedly, but of natural causes, on Friday, July 19, 2019, while in Bradenton, Florida.

He was born on Nov. 20, 1964, in Niles to William L. Sr. and Judith L. (Barrett) Jann.

William graduated from North Liberty High School. He was a self-employed heating and air conditioning repairman. William enjoyed treasure hunting and could be found frequently going to Goodwill, yard sales and antique stores. He was a great cook and was teaching himself to play the guitar. William loved music, making people laugh and time spent with family. William could also be found on his Harley Davidson with the wind at his back and took great pride in polishing it nearly every day.

He will be remembered for his big heart, kindness and generosity. William was always giving to everyone he met.

William is preceded in death by his mother, Judith Jann-McLean, and a sister, Sherry Jann-Northrop.

He is survived by his father, William L. Sr. (Merline) Jann, of Bradenton, Florida; his children, Jeffery Jann, of California, and Sara Nikkole-Fugate (Eli Fugate), of Indiana; four grandchildren, Ashton and Orion Fugate, as well as Jeffery and Jayden Jann; a grand-daughter on the way, Vega Eda June Fugate; siblings, Brenda (Roger) Lintz, of Niles, Bryan (Brenda) Jann, of Edwardsburg, Vicky Orrick, of Florida, Jesse (Amy) Jann, of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Jason Vore, of Florida, William will also be missed by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with visitation beginning at 4:30 p.m. William will be laid to rest at a private ceremony at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in William’s memory to his family.

Memories of William may be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

Kujawa, Kevin J.

Kevin J. Kujawa, of Niles
Oct. 18, 1985-Sept. 20, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:40 am Friday, September 20, 2019

Kevin J. Kujawa, 33, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

AND https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/2544/Kevin-Kujawa/obituary.html

Obituary of Kevin Joseph Kujawa

Kevin J. Kujawa, 33, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2019, in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Kevin was born on October 18, 1985, in Niles, Michigan to Laurie D. (Wishman) Kujawa.

Kevin will always be remembered for his selflessness. He had the most generous heart, a gentle soul, and he always developed a friendship with whoever crossed his path. He enjoyed being in the construction industry and was a very dedicated worker. From a very young age, he enjoyed fishing and hunting.  Kevin was always around his family and friends; he loved watching sports, and always had music playing. His favorite thing in life was spending time with his two children, Brayden and Payton, from video and baseball games with his son to cheer competitions and snuggles with his daughter.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Brian D. Kujawa;  papa and memaw, Norman and Sue Wishman; grandpa and grandma, Walter and Wanda Kujawa; uncle, Tim Kujawa;  and a cousin, Andrea Howell.

Kevin is survived by his mother, Laurie D. Kujawa; sister, Lynzi Kujawa; son, Brayden Kujawa; daughter, Payton Kujawa; the mother of his children, and love of his life, Crystal Bronstetter; niece, Cali S. Kujawa; all of Niles, Michigan.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service, also at Brown Funeral Home.

 

Memorial contributions may be made in Kevin’s memory to the family, in care of his mother, Laurie Kujawa.

Fletcher, Bruce

Bruce Fletcher, of Niles
May 24, 1930 — Sept. 25, 2019

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:45 am Friday, September 27, 2019

Bruce Fletcher, 89, of Niles, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, at West Woods of Niles.

He was born May 24, 1930, in Toto, Indiana, to the late Virgil and Mousie Fletcher.

Bruce owned and operated Fletcher Excavating for more than 50 years. He, along with his family, built and operated Nub Lake Campground in Niles.

Bruce loved God’s word, especially the study of eschatology. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior on March 13, 1955, and served him faithfully for the rest of his life.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and always wanted to go one more time. He was planning a fishing trip to Florida as he passed. Nothing was as good as his and Bonnie’s fish fry’s.

Bruce is survived by his sons, Timothy (Debbie) Fletcher, Andrew (Caroline) Fletcher; daughter, Pamela Brady; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his wife, Wilma Allen-Fletcher; whom he married in January of 2017.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie Fletcher; parents, Virgil and Mousie; son, Gerald Glen Fletcher; daughters, Peggy Fletcher, Robin Kay Fletcher, Jorjen Fletcher, Molly Beth Fletcher; brothers, Walter Fletcher, Jesse Fletcher, Gemroe Fletcher, Frank Fletcher, Charles Fletcher and Chester Fletcher.

Visitation for Bruce will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, and noon on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, at Hoven Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, in Niles.

Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.

Contributions in memory of Bruce Fletcher may be made to Great Lakes Caring, 6120 Stadium Dr., STE 100, Kalamazoo.

Thompson, Elaine Marie (Smith)

Elaine Marie Thompson
December 23, 1936 – August 27, 2019

https://www.halbritterwickens.com/notices/Elaine-Thompson

Elaine Marie Thompson, 82 passed away at 10:50pm on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.

Elaine was born on December 23, 1936, in South Haven, MI, to the late Arthur Franklin and Myrtle Ann (Corrie) Smith. Elaine was also preceded in death by a stillborn son, Robert Arthur Thompson; and brother, James Smith. On March 30, 1957, at the Congregational Church in South Haven, MI, Elaine married Mark McKim “Mac” Thompson, and he passed away on December 4, 2014.

Elaine is survived by her children, Mark David (& Donna) Thompson of Niles, Thomas Arthur (& Karan) Thompson of Rochester, New York, Troy McKim (& Angela) Thompson of Niles, and Jennifer Marie (& William Boothe) Thompson-Boothe of South Bend; grandchildren, Mark (& Shawnetta) Thompson, Samantha Thompson, Sarah (& Ash) Scarbrough, Benjamin Thompson, Rebecca Thompson, Kevin Thompson, Duane Thompson, Mathew (& Rachel) Colburn, Madison Boothe, and Mason Boothe; great-grandchildren, Dominic, Elizabeth and Sophia Scarbrough and Mark, Molly, and Maggie Thompson; and sisters-in-law, Mildred Smith and Fran Thompson.

Elaine enjoyed working for Garrett Laboratories with her friends in Niles. She liked to sew, bake and watching South Haven sunsets. She enjoyed her monthly Card Club with her girlfriends. She spent as much time as she could with her children and grandchildren including their sports and music activities. She enjoyed all the family gatherings and talking to the birds and watching it rain from her front porch.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Terrace at Longmeadow for the great care they provided for their mother.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Harbor Lights Hospice 1820 E Day Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan 641 South Crystal Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 .

The family of Elaine M. Thompson will receive relatives and friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 in HALLBRITTER WICKENS FUNERAL HOME, 615 E. Main St. Niles. The visitation will conclude with a Celebration of Life Service lead by Pastor Ed Slate. Burial will be private in Silverbrook Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com.