Donna Mark, formerly of Buchanan
June 1, 1927 — July 25, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:24 pm Thursday, July 28, 2016

Donna Mark, 89, formerly of Buchanan, Michigan died peacefully at 9:04 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2016 with family members gathered around her bedside at The Hearth at Juday Creek in Granger, Indiana following a brief illness.

She was born on June 1, 1927 in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Frank and Rose (Schneider) Tiemann, and was graduated in 1945 from Mary E. McCahill Institute in Lake City, Minnesota. She began her college studies at the University of Minnesota, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University at South Bend after moving to this area in 1961. She owned and operated Mardona’s String of Pearls at the Thieves’ Market Mall in South Bend, Indiana.

Donna Mark

Donna was a member of the Saint Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend; the Cardinal Newman Society for Catholic Education, which she served as the National Recording Secretary; and founded a parents’ association for the hearing impaired community in South Bend. In Niles, she had been a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church. She was certified through the Gemological Institute of America, had studied the genealogy of her family, and had studied the history of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indian Nation – donating her work to the Band. She enjoyed knitting and crochet, keeping up with current events, and – most importantly – caring for her family.

On April 26, 1952, in Newark, New Jersey she married Edward H. Mark whose partnership in parenting ten children was strong and devoted. One evidence of his affection was the beautiful chapel he built for her in the woods behind their home on the Saint Joseph River. They had celebrated the 55th anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on April 23, 2008. She was also preceded in death by their son, Steve Mark on Nov. 13, 2010.

Surviving family includes their children, Catherine (Alfredo Toraño) Mark of Spain, Mary Mark-Herbach and Louis Mark, both of Michigan, Julia Mark of Colorado, John (Vera) Mark of Illinois, Karen Mark of Indiana, Daniel (Carole) Mark of Wyoming, Jacob (Jill) Mark of Indiana, and Thomas Mark of Montana; grandchildren Raquel, Francisco, Michael, Layne, Elias, Angelina, Sarah, Sophia, and Samuel; and Donna’s brothers, Robert Tiemann of California and Sidney (Louise) Tiemann of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Donna Mark will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles by the Rev. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C. of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend. Committal Rites will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Contributions in memory of Donna Mark may be made to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 East Colfax Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46617.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Vivian Rose Tharp, of Niles
May 28, 1912 — July 21, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:33 am Monday, July 25, 2016

Vivian Rose Tharp, 104, of Niles, Michigan died on Thursday, July 21, 2016, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born May 28, 1912, in Van Buren County, Michigan to Thomas and Carrie (Benwire) Sherburn.

Vivian was a cook for Brandywine Public Schools for over 15 years, retiring in 1974. She was a former member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary in Niles and member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed playing Yahtzee and cards, her butterfly collection, putting together jigsaw puzzles, crocheting projects for her family, watching NASCAR her Cubbies baseball. She really enjoyed spending her birthday money on trips to the casino and her time with family and friends.

Tharp

On May 9,1936, Vivian married Stanton Miller Tharp, with whom she celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary Nov. his death on November 7, 1992. Vivian was also preceded in death by a son, Roger Tharp; two sisters, Viola Brewer and Veva Rodgers and 5 brothers, William, Lloyd, Pete, Max and Carrol Sherburn.

Surviving family includes daughters Selva (Earl) Garson of Mishawaka, Indiana and Lois (Richard) Sherman of Niles; one son, Robert (Gee Gee) Tharp of North Manchester, Indiana; 13 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is daughter-in-law Sandra Tharp of Niles, special friend Doris Brewer; dear family friend Judy Vinnedge, caretaker and long-lost granddaughter Belinda Wooden and former daughter-in-law Jeanie Gescheidle.

The funeral service for Vivian Rose Tharp will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Faith United Methodist Church in Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Donations in memory of Vivian may be made to Hospice at Home. www.halbritterfunerals.com

Eugene J. Downey Jr.
July 30, 1935 - Dec. 7, 2015

NILES - Eugene J. Downey Jr., 80, passed away December 7th at West Woods of Niles after an extended illness with his loving family by his bedside.

He was born in Dowagiac, MI, on July 30, 1935, to the late Eugene and Lucille (Wetzel) Downey Sr. His mother, Lucille, died when he was five years old. His father married Wanda Leach and together they raised Eugene and his brothers and sisters..

On December 15, 1961, Eugene married Dolores Jean Corkins in Grand Rapids, MI, who survives..

Mr. Downey is survived by his loving wife, Dolores; their daughter, Pamela (Jim) McLean, Baroda, MI; their sons, Jeffery Downey, Phoenix, AZ, Blake (Rita) Downey, Baroda, MI, and Eric (Teri) Downey, South Bend, IN. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren whom he loved and cherished. He is also survived by two sisters, Judy and Pat; and three brothers, Marvin, Terry and Tim..

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tom and Larry..

Eugene loved to go fishing, bowling, being on the computer, and especially enjoyed being a coach for the Special Olympics and being with his family and friends. In the past he served as a church deacon..

He was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Navy and especially loved the Aircraft Carrier USS Leyte on which he served.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions be made to 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 12th, at 11:00 AM at the First Church of God, 33180 U.S. 12, Niles, MI, with Pastor Bob Jackson officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, MI..

Condolences may be expressed online through our website: .

The HANLEY & Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Downey family.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?pid=176820322

Greg Allen Challis
July 6, 1948-July 12, 2016

Passed away Thursday, July 12, 2016. Greg was born July 6, 1948 in South Bend, IN to the late Bertram and Patricia (Bonfoey) Challis. Greg graduated from Kalamazoo Central HS and attended Ferris State College. He was employed with Graphic Packaging for nearly 37 years until he retired in 2011. Greg played HS and college football and was active in rugby. He was a boxer in the semifinals in the Toughman contests in Kalamazoo. He was a union steward and continued to fight for worker’s rights even after his retirement. Greg loved his dogs. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. Greg is survived by his siblings Kathryn Barnes, Rita Challis and Mark (Patricia Kajdan) Challis, and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 18th, 1:00pm at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Greg’s name may be directed to one of Greg’s favorite charities. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre Ave. 

http://www.langelands.com/obituaries/Greg-Challis/#!/Obituary

Mr. Jesse James Russell, of Niles
Aug. 27, 1929 — July 8, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:44 am Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Mr. Jesse James Russell, 86, of Niles, Michigan died of natural causes Friday evening, July 8, 2016, at his home.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1929, in Decatur, Alabama to Leon and Myrtle (Verner) Russell. He was raised and schooled in Alabama, and came to Niles in 1949 where he lived the rest of his life. He was employed at Robinson’s Cabinet Shop in Elkhart, Indiana and later as a Concrete Finisher on the original construction of the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Generating Station in Brigdman, Michigan.

Russell

Jesse was active at the Victory Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God in Dowagiac, Michigan. He enjoyed maintaining and sharing the produce of his vegetable garden. In the past he has enjoyed ice fishing in several area lakes.

On Oct. 17, 1956 in Iuka, Mississippi he married the former Marjorie J. “Jean” Williams with whom he celebrated the Fifty-fifth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on January 4, 2012. He was also preceded in death by a son, John Russell and a daughter, Gloria Scott.

Surviving family includes a son, Charlie Van James (LaNae) Russell of Bradenton, Florida; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, four sisters, two brothers, many nieces and nephews; and a great circle of wonderful friends and neighbors including Amy Jo.

The funeral service for Jesse Russell will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Mr. Charles Moore of Victory Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Jesse may be made to the Victory Tabernacle PCOG, 33440 Middle Crossing Road, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Vera Elaine Holy, of Niles
Aug. 14, 1931 — July 9, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published online 9:37 am Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Vera Elaine Holy, 84, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016 with her family gathered by her side at Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow in Niles following a brief illness.

She was born on Aug. 14, 1931, in Baroda Township, Michigan to Theadore and Agnes (Till) Hauch. She was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived in this area all of her life. As a young woman, she was employed at the former Niles plants of Simplicity Pattern Company and General Cable, and at the former Niles J. C. Penney and Montgomery Wards department stores before she began a career with the former Old Kent Bank (now 5/3).

Vera Elaine Holy

Vera was a member of the Portage Road General Baptist Church in Niles. She was also a member of the Four Flags Snowmobile Club, and volunteered with the Women’s Auxiliary to the Niles Township Fire Department. She enjoyed travelling, having visited much of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, and was at home both on cruise ships and at campgrounds. She also enjoyed golfing, and spending summers at Bitely, Michigan and winters in Frostproof, Florida. Her family was always her greatest joy, and she always made time for the grandchildren’s sporting events.

On July 30, 1949 in the parsonage of the First Methodist Church she married Robert A. Holy with whom she celebrated the 57th anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on April 23, 2007. They were also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Lisa Hessey on Dec. 10, 1996, a son-in-law, Gary Zache in 1984, and Vera’s brother, Dale Hauch.

Surviving family includes her children, Debra (Tom) Hessey of Niles, Chris (Frelen Gowen) Zache of Niles, and Mike (Kathy) Holy of Buchanan, Michigan; grandchildren Deanna (Joe) Rudell, Brian (Michelle) Zache, Brad (Jenna) Zache, Bruce (Erica) Zache, Angie (Wayne Wollenzien) Holy, Ryan (Andrea) Holy, Aaron (Tara) Holy, and Cory Gowen; great-grandchildren Chase Rudell, Zachary, Ella, Courtney, Breslyn Jackson, Raegan, Maddison, and Bryce Zache, and Ava, Adelyn, and Abram Holy; and Vera’s sister, Delores Roberts of California and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Vera Holy will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at the Portage Road General Baptist Church with Pastor Lonnie Rhodes of the church officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Contributions in memory of Vera may be made to the Portage Road General Baptist Church, 1765 Portage Road, Niles, MI 49120; or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan, Great Lakes Chapter, 564 South Main Street, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

www.halbritterfunerals.com