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.

PeGan, Margaret J. (Pfefferle)

Margaret J. PeGan, of Niles
July 31, 1926 – Aug. 3, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:52 am Friday, August 4, 2017

Margaret J. PeGan, age 91 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 4:25 a.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at West Woods of Niles following an extended illness.

She was born on July 31, 1926 in Bremen, Indiana to Raymond and Thelma (Emmons) Pfefferle. She came to Niles from Ohio in 1949, and was employed for many years at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company.

Marge was a member of the First Church of God in Niles. She was an accomplished baker, including many wedding cakes. She enjoyed providing a clean and tidy home for her family.

She was first married to Lonnie Scarbary. Later, on July 14, 1972 in South Bend, Indiana she married Raymond L. PeGan with whom she celebrated the twenty-fourth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on April 8, 1977. She was also preceded in death by Ray’s son, John PeGan.

Surviving family includes her daughters, Diane Keihn and Linda Palmer, both of Niles; Ray’s children, Terry Hamilton, Jim PeGan, Fred PeGan, and Tom PeGan, all of Niles and Linda Ambrozewski of Nevada, Missouri; grandchildren Angela Hinderliter, Brian Jackson, Michael Jurek, Christopher Jurek, and Vanessa Clarke; seven great-grandchildren; and several step-grand and step-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Margaret PeGan will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2017 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Robert Jackson of the First Church of God officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Marge may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Great Lakes, 564 South Main Street, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Boettcher, Mary Elizabeth (Harrold)

Mary Boettcher
Dec. 2, 1921 — June 21, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:56 am Monday, June 26, 2017

Mary Elizabeth (Harrold) Boettcher, 95, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at Lakeside Nursing Home in Naples, Florida, with her sons present.

Mary was born Dec. 2, 1921, in Niles, to the late Russel and Edith Harrold.

Mary Boettcher

On Jan. 11, 1941, Mary married Richard W. Boettcher Sr. He passed away May 26, 2004.

Mary was also preceded in death by a sister, Kathleen Wenger, who passed away in 2016, and a niece, Peggy.

Mary is survived by her sons, Richard W. Boettcher Jr. and William R. Boettcher; grandson Gary Boettcher; great-grandchildren Allison and twins Cara and Dana; brother Don Harrold; nephews (Kathleen’s sons) John, Richard and Danny; niece (Kathleen’s daughter) Kathy; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Mary retired from working at Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles after more than 20 years. She loved to bowl, and she played golf well into her 90s at Plym Park Golf Course. She was driving her car back in Niles up to the age of 94. Mary danced in a variety show put on by the Imperial Bonita Estates park. She did that for more than 20 years, up until she turned 90.

She was loved by all who came into contact with her at NCH hospital, and all of the staff at Lakeside Nursing Home in Naples. They all made mention as to how sweet a lady she was. And that she was.

The family requests no flowers or donation.

A living memory service will be scheduled at a later date. Cremation took place in Florida, and Mary will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., Niles is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Schrader, Timothy Dean

Timothy Dean Scrader, of Niles
Dec. 7, 1942 — July 13, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:44 am Monday, July 17, 2017

Timothy Dean Schrader, 74, of Niles, died peacefully at 10:10 a.m.  Thursday, July 13, at Wellbrooke of South Bend, Indiana following a brief illness.

He was born on Dec. 7, 1942 in Niles to Theodore D. and June Clara (Keck) Schrader. He graduated from Niles High School and earned bachelors, masters and specialist degrees in music education from Michigan State University in East Lansing. He taught instrumental music in the Niles Community Schools for his entire career, and has lived in Niles all of his life.

Tim was a member of the First Baptist Church of Niles where he served on the worship team. He was a member of the local and state teachers’ associations and of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. In addition to band directing, he also played the saxophone and directed choirs, including the Youth for Christ at Winona Lake, Indiana. He enjoyed hunting and fishing around Niles and summers with his family at Drummond Island, Michigan.

Surviving family includes his siblings, Lila (Richard) Coates of Huntington Beach, California, T. David (Phyllis) Schrader of Niles, and Karen (Steve) Parker of Smyrna, Tennessee; nieces and nephews Claudia (John) Herrara, Jennifer Coates, Julia Coates, Richard (Cherri) Coates, Ted (Lindsey) Schrader, Talli (Carmelo) Pratico, Trisha Schrader, and Angela (Zack) Davis; and their children Katie, Ellie, Lila, Richie, Kenton, Clayton, Makenna, Megan, and Asher; and a wonderful circle of friends and former students.

The funeral service for Tim Schrader will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, at the First Baptist Church in Niles with Pastor Jim Wing officiating. Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. Contributions in memory of Tim may be made to the First Baptist Church, or to Gideon’s International.

halbritterfunerals.com

Webb, Patricia M. (Parker)

Patricia M. Webb, of Niles
April 2, 1935 — July 17, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:57 am Friday, July 21, 2017

Patricia M. Webb, 82, of Niles, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2017, at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles.

She was born April 2, 1935, in Niles, to Raymond Sr. and Viola Parker. Patricia was an Avon representative for more than 40 years.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna (James) Euell, Joy (L.V.) Tignor; brother, Richard (Gloria) Parker; sister, Charlotte Beal; granddaughter, Barbara (Jonas) Holmes; great-grandson, Isasiah Moffitt Jr; great-granddaughter, Violet Duke; special son and daughter, Terry and Judy Cox; special friend and caretaker, Sylvia VanKirk; and many nieces and nephews.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Sr and Viola; husband, Ralph Webb; son, Raymond Claude Webb; brothers, Raymond Parker Jr, Robert Parker, Ralph Parker; and sister, Gladys Marie Parker.

Funeral service for Patricia will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service on Monday at Hoven Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.

The family gives their deepest appreciation for the exceptional care from the Doctors and nurses at Lakeland’s E.R., I.C.U., A2 and A3 units. Also, a special thank you to niece, Vickie Beal, and great-niece, Sarah Blair. Memorial donations may be made to Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, 40550 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48375.

Poznanski, Norma Jean (Ross)

Norma Poznanski, of Niles
Dec. 7, 1944 — June 21, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published online 10:26 am Friday, June 23, 2017

Norma Jean Poznanski, RN, 72, of Niles, died peacefully at 2:42 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at home.

She was born Dec. 7, 1944, in Niles, to Joseph Norman and Ruth Elaine (Ferguson) Ross.

Norma Poznanski

She graduated from Niles High School, and earned her associate’s degree and nurses’ credentials at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Indiana. She lived in Portage, Indiana, for 30 years, where she was employed by area home health care agencies.

Norma enjoyed reading novels and mysteries, and watching television shows about home improvement. Her family remembers her fascination with shopping at local discount stores, which resulted in “Charlie” having closets full of last minute birthday gifts and other supplies.

On Aug. 29, 1964, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles, she married William C. Poznanski, with whom she celebrated, last year, the remarkable 52nd anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes her husband, William Poznanski, and their children, Pastor Eric Sean (Kristin) Poznanski of Granger, Indiana, William Todd (Roberta) Poznanski of Portage and Daniel Kencade (Christine) Poznanski of Columbus, Georgia; grandchildren Anna, Joel, Mandy, Derek, Allison, Tia and Madison; Norma’s sister, Ruth Ross of Missoula, Montana; several nieces and nephews of two generations; and a wonderful circle of great friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Ruth Ross, and a brother, Joseph Leon Ross.

A funeral service for Norma Poznanski will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2017, at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles, with her son, Pastor Eric Poznanski of the Universal Life Monastery, officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Norma may be made to the Niles District Library. halbritterfunerals.com

Cobb, Dessie Lee

Dessie Lee Cobb
May 17, 1928-Dec. 22, 2010

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:26 pm Sunday, December 26, 2010

NILES — Dessie Lee Cobb, 82, of Niles, born in Tyronza, Ark., May 17, 1928, passed on Dec. 22, 2010.

Before Dessie became ill she was a faithful member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Niles, where she served as a missionary, choir member, deaconess, pastor’s aide, vocational Bible school teacher and on the mother’s board.

Services will be at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Niles, on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at noon.

A time of visitation will be held one hour prior.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Meyer, Michael John

Michael Meyer, of Niles
April 13, 1975 — Jan. 11, 2017

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:58 am Friday, January 13, 2017

Michael “Mike” John Meyer, 41, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at home.
Mike was born April 13, 1975, in Niles, to John and Diane (Holloway) Meyer.
On Aug. 27, 2005, Mike married Angie (Peck) Meyer.
She survives and lives in Niles with their children: Aubrey Pearl and Lola Marie. Also surviving are his brother, Steve (Lisa) Meyer; nieces Malena and Ava; and nephew Brayden.

Mike Meyer
Mike Meyer

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Beatrice Holloway.
Mike worked for the street department for the City of Buchanan. He was an avid Michigan State fan and looked forward to family time every Sunday. Mike was the best husband, father and son. He enjoyed family get-togethers, where he would display his skills on the smoker.
Visitation will be from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St. A remembrance service will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences for the family may be made at halbritterfunerals.com.