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.

Biggs, Walter Lee

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Walter Lee Biggs
March 2, 1938 — Sept. 7, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:42 am Monday, September 10, 2018

March 2, 1938 — Sept. 7, 2018

Walter Lee Biggs, 80, passed away at 8:20 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Walter was born on March 2, 1938, in Jonesboro, Arkansas to the late Walter Elis and Virginia (Meek) Biggs.

Walter Lee Biggs

Walter was married for more than 50 years to his first wife, Doris D. (Dunifin) Biggs before she passed away.

He was also preceded in death by sister, Joann (Bill) Hunter; and brother, Larry (Carole) Biggs. Walter is survived by his wife, Kathy Evans-Biggs, of Niles; sons, Walter Earl (Faith) Biggs, of Plant City, Florida, William John Biggs, of South Bend, and Bruce Alan Biggs, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren, Jamie, Jeff, Kris, Toby, Michael, and Kristina; sisters, Barbara (Fred) Bailey, of Niles, and Valda Skinner, of Niles; and brother, Michael Biggs, of Niles.

Walter was a Factory Worker at Bendix for many years and retired from Gast in Benton Harbor.

He was an avid Ham Radio operator. He loved golf, traveling and spending time with family. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. Niles, where family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterwickens.com.

Lee, Albert W.

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Albert W. Lee, of Niles
March 13, 1936 — Sept. 4, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:40 am Monday, September 10, 2018

Albert W. Lee, 82, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, at The Center for Hospice Care in South Bend, following a brief illness.

He was born on March 16, 1936, in Marquette, Michigan, to the late George J. and Neva (Knowles) Lee.

Albert W. Lee

After graduating high school, Albert joined the U.S. Navy, serving his country proudly for almost 25 years. He graduated from the University of Oregon and enjoyed a second career as an Oregon State Park Manager for twenty years.

He married Juanita Clark at a ceremony in Carson City, Nevada, and enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage.

An avid outdoorsman, Albert enjoyed hunting, fishing and time on the golf course. He also had many memories of bowling with family and friends. He was a member of the First Church of God in Niles and a member of the VFW Post 2673, in Cody, Wyoming, where he served as post chaplain for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Three brothers, Robert, George and Patrick Lee. Albert is survived by his wife, Juanita Lee, of Niles; children, Kelly (John) Collins and Rayna Wortham, of Wyoming; two grandchildren, William Lee and Veronica Brock, of Oregon.

Funeral services will be at First Church of God, in Niles, with Pastor Robert Jackson officiating, on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at noon with a time of visitation one hour prior.

Full Military Honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy and the American Legion Post 51, Buchanan. Committal services will be private at Silverbrook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Albert’s memory to the VFW 2673, 808 12th Street, Cody, Wyoming 82414. Memories of Albert may be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Reum, Barbara A. (Evans)

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Barbara A. (Evans) Reum
Nov. 23, 1936 — Sept. 12, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:19 am Friday, September 14, 2018

Nov. 23, 1936 — Sept. 12, 2018

Barbara A. (Evans) Reum, 81, passed away, peacefully after an extended illness, on Wednesday morning, Sept.12, 2018, in her home.

Barbara was born in Detroit on Nov. 23, 1936, to the late Louis V. and Beatrice G. (Geyer) Evans.

Barbara A. (Evans) Reum

Barbara was preceded in death by her grandson, Steven Garlanger, in 1989.

On Aug. 1, 1959, Barbara married Gordon W. Reum. He survives along with her daughter, Diane (Scott) Powers; grandchildren, Kyle G. (Courtney) Garlanger, Christopher Powers, Nicholas (Beth) Powers, and Chelsea (Scott) Buysse; sisters, Carol Kreitner and Vicki Evans; and brother, Louis V. Evans.

Barbara graduated from Niles High School in 1955. In her sophomore year of high school, she started dating Gordon. They were married a few years later and had been married for 59 years. She worked at Pawating Hospital and the Medical Center as a Lab Technician. She retired early to take care of her grandson, Steven, as he was ill. She enjoyed photography, drawing and treasure hunting at garage and estate sales.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Halbritter WIckens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice at Home 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

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

Rodebush, Johnie A.

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Johnie A. Rodebush, of Niles
Aug. 11, 1922-Sept. 6, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:06 am Friday, September 7, 2018

Johnie A. Rodebush, 96, of Niles, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. Arrangements are being made by Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, of Niles. Services are pending.

Herald-Palladium, Saturday, September 8, 2018, published online

Johnie A. Rodebush

Johnie A. Rodebush, 96 , of Niles, and longtime Cass County commissioner died peacefully Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, with his family gathered around at Lakeland Hospital, Niles, following an extended illness.

He was born on Aug. 11, 1922, in Heber Springs, Ark., to John and Hattie Mae (Knight) Rodebush. He joined the U.S. Army and served in the Quartermaster Corps as a corporal in the European Theater, earned the Silver Life Saving Medal, and was honorably discharged as a veteran of World War II.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Church of Christ-Christian in Niles, with visitation from 2-4 p.m. and  6-8 p.m. Monday at the church. Committal services will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the Howard Branch of the Cass District Library or to the Cass County Parks. Online condolences may be left at  www.halbritterwickens.com.

Rudolph, Barbara A.

editor Obituaries

Barbara Rudolph, of Niles
1935-Sept. 17, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:42 am Thursday, September 20, 2018

Barbara Rudolph, 83, of Niles, passed Sept. 17, 2018. Her family will gather for private services at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeniles.com

Tracey, Nancy C.

editor Obituaries

Nancy C. Tracey, of Vicksburg
May 20, 1949 — Sept. 20, 2018

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:26 am Monday, September 24, 2018

Nancy C. Tracey, 69, of Vicksburg, passed away after an extended illness in Borgess Medical Center.

Nancy was born on May 20, 1949, in Chicago, to the late Kurt and Eleanore (Warmuth) Kuhnle. She is also preceded in death by a sister Kimberly Kuhnle.

Nancy C. Tracey

On Jan., 31, 1969, Nancy married Hugh R. Tracey, Sr.

Nancy is survived by her husband Hugh and their children; Nicole (Thomas) Prestin, Hugh (Valerie) Tracey, Jr. and Corrina Taylor; grandchildren; Erik and Ivy Prestin; her sister Marilyn Metz; brothers Gregory and Kurt Kuhnle, Jr.; niece Shelly Miller and several other nieces and nephews.

When Nancy was younger, she was an accomplished swimmer and was very active. She loved to dance and met her future husband while out dancing. She and Hugh were so accomplished as dancers that they were often asked to give lessons. She courageously battled a number of illnesses as an adult, never giving up enjoying life and helping those around her. Later in life, Nancy loved going to Florida during the winter months. She also enjoyed puzzles.

A funeral service will take place for Nancy at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles. Friends and family may visit with the family an hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorials in Nancy’s name may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc or to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.

Online condolences may be made to the family at halbritterwickens.com

Yochim, Paul F.

editor Obituaries

Paul F. Yochim
July 09, 1924 - September 01, 2018

Paul F. Yochim, 94, of Niles, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2018 at his home.

He was born on July 9, 1924 in Dowagiac to the late Ferdinand and Natalie Yochim. On June 10, 1960 he married Beverly Mae Smith at a ceremony in Dowagiac.

Paul is survived by his wife Beverly; daughters, Lauri Mae Wood, Lisa Rae (Kurt) Fenton; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and sister Helen Wilson.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herman, Henry, Harold; and sisters, Hilda, Henrietta, Mildred.

Funeral service for Paul will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Emmanuel Baptist Bible Church, Niles, with burial to follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

Published at http://www.hovenfunerals.com/obituary/paul-yochim

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