Obituaries

Lorimer Rodriguez, of Niles
Sept. 17, 1939 — Sept. 3, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:41 am Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Lorimer Rodriguez, 76, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 10:10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, with his family by his side at his home, following a brief illness.

He was born on Sept. 17, 1939, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to Cico and Lola (Roman) Rodriguez. He attended school in Puerto Rico, and came to Niles in the 1960s. He was employed with the City of Niles in the Street Department for more than 20 years before retirement.

Lorimer Rodriguez

Lorimer loved fishing on the Saint Joseph River, watching boxing matches on television, and — most importantly — his wife’s cooking. He always had a camera at his fingertips, and enjoyed taking photographs of his family. He was an avid scrapper, collecting and recycling all types of metals.

Lorimer always had a smile on his face because he loved people and his relationships.

He was married in Puerto Rico to the former Eladia Segarra, with whom he celebrated the 50th anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on Jan. 31, 2012. He was also preceded in death by their son, Lorimer Rodriguez, Jr. in 1992, a daughter, Mary Monroe in 2010; a grandson, Dane Angel Dorstewitz in 2011; a sister, Marguerita, and a brother, Reynaldo.

Surviving family includes his children, Iris Reith of Niles, Doriz (Damian) Curry of Traverse City, Michigan, and Luis Rodriguez of Buchanan, Michigan; grandchildren Collette Rodriguez, Chelsea (Randy) York, Lindsea Rodriguez, Kelsey Monroe, Kaitlyn Monroe, Michael Starett, Anna Curry, Ciara Curry Emily Rehmel, and Alyssa Rehmel; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Easton, Ella, Zander, and Marshea; and brother, Raul Rodriguez of Puerto Rico, and sisters, Neilda Ortiz and Gajean Rodriguez, both of Cleveland, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; and a wonderful circle of friends in the local Puerto Rican community.

The funeral service for Lorimer Rodriguez will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at Noon on Friday at the funeral home.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Gloria Newcomer
Feb. 23, 1952 - Sept. 8, 2016

NILES - Gloria Jean Newcomer, 64, of Niles, passed away on September 8, 2016, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan. 

She was born on February 23, 1952, in Winamac, Indiana, to Arnold and Florine (Archer) Bonnell. After graduating from Penn High in Mishawaka, Gloria received her bachelor's degree in computer science from SMC. On March 27, 1971, she married David Newcomer at a ceremony in Mishawaka. Some of her favorite pastime was spent gardening, drawing and at family get-togethers.

Gloria was preceded in death by her father, Arnold L. Bonnell, and brother, Roger L. Bonnell.

She is survived by her mother, Florine L. Bonnell; husband, David A. Newcomer; daughters, Crystal M. (Marcos Perez) Newcomer of Los Angeles, CA, and Amber L. Newcomer of Edwardsburg, MI; grandson, Carlos “Tony” Newcomer (9); sister, Joyce (David) Martin of Elkhart, IN; brother, Timothy Bonnell of South Bend, IN; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Gloria will be remembered by her daughters as a great mom and wonderful friend.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to The Ribbon of Hope at 600 East Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514.

Keeping with Gloria's wishes, cremation has taken place and her family will be remembering her privately. 

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with her family atwww.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?pid=181345584

Rosemary Miller, of Niles
Feb. 28, 1930 — Sept. 19, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:37 am Thursday, September 22, 2016

Rosemary L. Miller, 86, of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 9:57 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at West Woods of Niles following an extended illness.
She was born on Feb. 28, 1930, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Raymond Theodore and Aileen Yvonne (Parker) Ernst. She was graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, and has lived in Niles since 1961. She was employed in the executive offices of the National-Standard Corporation in Niles, and the former Buchanan offices of Clark Equipment Company.
Rosemary was raised in Christian churches, and has continued to attend various churches. She was a member of the ladies auxiliary to the B.P.O. of Niles Elks #1322, and the auxiliary to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Mounted Division (Equestrian). As a young lady, she was active in area golf leagues, and more recently has enjoyed ceramics and other handcrafts, and reading novels.
She was married on Feb. 8, 1986, at the Portage Prairie United Methodist Church in Niles to James “Gordon” Miller with whom she celebrated the twenty-eighth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on January 18, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her son, William “Bil” Runyan in 1985, a step-son, Jay Gordon Miller in 1988; and by Rosemary’s brothers, Paul Ernst, Duane Ernst, and Bruce Ernst.
Surviving family includes two children by her first husband, Carl “Jack” Runyan, Rod (Kim) Runyan of Buda, Texas and Bonnie (Dave) DeRidder of Elkton, Florida; step-daughters, Kathryn (Joe) Antus of Osceola, Indiana and Linda L. Miller of Niles; grandchildren Kyle (William) Norman, Brett Runyan, Robert Selbie, Tyler Selbie, Jeff Miller, Dan Denaut, Alycia Denaut, Ian Miller, Nicole Miller, Lacey (Michael) Peters, Jay Wiemuth, and Chad Wiemuth; ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Rosemary Miller will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Rosemary may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
www.halbritterfunerals.com

Hub (Hubert) Hasseltine, of Niles
March 23, 1929 — Sept. 3, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:36 am Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Hub (Hubert) N. Hesseltine, 87, of Niles, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at his home.

Hub was born on March 23, 1929, to the late Nelson and Inez Hesseltine in Vancouver, Washington. On Aug. 29, 1969, he married Elizabeth Furner at a ceremony in Niles. Hub was a longtime member of St. Mark Catholic Church, Niles. He was an avid bowler and was inducted in the Niles Bowling Hall of Fame in 2010. Hub was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and dearly loved animals.

Hub is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth; children, Jim (Barbara) Hesseltine, Randi Sandknop, Marc Brandon and Kathy (Kent) Moeder; grandchildren, Eric, Ashley and Aaron; great-grandchildren, Jake, Timmy and Katie and sisters, Helen Hope and Lorraine (Willie) Moody.

Hub Hasseltine

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Inez and son, Jerry Hesseltine.

Visitation for Hub will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at St. Mark Catholic Church, Niles with Father Thomas King C.S.C. officiating and Brother Dennis Meyers assisting.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Catholic Church, Niles or Fur-Ever Foster, P.O. box 615, Niles, MI. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

Note: Obituary heading in Niles Daily Star spelled name as "Hasseltine" but this is corrected in body of obit and cemetery record spells name "Hesseltine".

Duane Benson
Aug. 6, 1945 — Sept. 24, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:29 am Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Duane E. Benson, a faithful servant of God, died peacefully at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, with family gathered at Hanson Hospice Center following an extended illness.
He was born on Aug. 6, 1945, in Charlotte, Michigan to Clynis Albin and Edythe Esma (Ballard) Benson. He was graduated from Charlotte High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Spring Arbor (Michigan) College (now University), and continued his education at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan and Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo).
He began his teaching career at Concord (Michigan) Community Schools before coming to Niles Community Schools where he taught — mostly in the science classrooms at Ballard and Ring Lardner Junior High Schools — for 32 years.

Duane Benson

Duane was a member of the Mapleview Free Methodist Church in Niles for 47 years. At Mapleview he taught Sunday School, was an adult leader for the teen program, sang in the praise team, and was a member of the Board of Trustees.
He also served on the boards of Somerset (Michigan) Beach Campground of the Free Methodist Church, and the Michigan Science Olympiad.
At Ring Lardner he sponsored the Science Olympiad Club, coached the football and volleyball teams, and advised the model building club and the rocketry club. He could also be found in his home shop building models, and woodworking.
His life was focused on serving God by caring for everyone in his life. Family members, friends, students and many others benefited from a variety of caring gifts that Duane offered. He also participated in mission trips in Michigan, Kentucky, Brazil, and Nigeria. In every endeavor – teaching, cabinetmaking, or studying God’s Creation — Duane strove for the greatest level of excellence, to give glory to God.
On Sept. 9, 1967, in Pontiac, Michigan he married the former Elizabeth L. Morris with whom he celebrated two weeks ago the 49th anniversary of their wedding.
Surviving family includes his wife, Liz Benson and their children, Curtis (Gwen) Kenney-Benson of Lockport, Illinois, Michael Benson of Lakeview, Oregon, and Jean Ziesmer of Largo, Florida; grandchildren Spencer Kenney-Benson, Duncan Kenney-Benson, and Jillian Ziesmer; and Duane’s siblings, Karl Benson of Danville, Kentucky, Neil Benson of Red Wing, Minnesota, Cheri (Milton) Green of Burgaw, North Carolina, Lora (Steve) Dunham of Lone Tree, Iowa, and Tina Benson of Lexington, Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Duane Benson will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at the Mapleview Free Methodist Church, 1837 Niles-Buchanan Road, Niles with the Rev. Greg Rensberry of the church officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Contributions in memory of Duane may be made to the Mapleview Free Methodist Church for youth camp scholarships.
www.halbritterfunerals.com

James Willard Harpole, of Niles
Sept. 17, 1947 — Aug. 17, 2016

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:34 am Friday, August 19, 2016

James Willard Harpole, 68, of Niles, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, at his home.

He was born Sept. 17, 1947, to Myrtle and John Harpole in Niles. On Nov. 30, 1968, James married Vera Walls at a ceremony in Niles. James enjoyed fishing and hunting. After 34 years at French Paper, James retired.

James is survived by his wife of 47 years, Vera; daughters, Kari Jones, Tara (Spencer) Miller; brothers, Doyle (Debbie) Harpole, Ralph (Cheryl) Harpole; sister, Teresa (Ron) Earl; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and John; brothers, Oliver, Gary, and Ronnie Harpole.

Funeral services for James will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, at Hoven Funeral Home. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service from 2 to 4 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.