Maxine Okonski, of Niles
Aug. 6, 1928 — Dec. 4, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:37am Monday, December 7, 2015

Maxine Okonski, 87, of Niles, Michigan died on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles following a brief illness. She was born August 6, 1928 in Niles to Clarence B. and Dorothy M. (Cormany) Webber.

Maxine Okonski

Maxine worked for Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles and enjoyed crafts like making dolls and crocheting. She would often go to garage sales or spend some time at the slot machines. She was a loving mother and was known for stating her strong opinions, but with her great sense of humor. She enjoyed cooking and food and looked forward to Sunday dinners with her family.

On Feb. 24, 1950, in Angola, Indiana, Maxine married William “Bill” Okonski, Sr. with whom she celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary, before his passing on April 27, 1997. Maxine was also preceded in death by a grandson, Brandon Okonski; a brother, Vern Webber and two sisters, Virginia Crawford and Phyllis Burney.

Surviving family includes four children, Scott Okonski of Niles, William (Barbara Fox) Okonski, Jr. of Dowagiac, Michigan, Phyllis Jo (Henry) Duminie of Vandalia, Michigan and Sue Ellen (Mike) Okonksi Pierce of Niles; grandchildren, Scott Okonski, Jr., William (Kim) Okonski, III, Shannon Okonski, Stacey Okonski, Josh Kehoe, Phillip (Christie) Carter, Sr.; great-grandchildren, Averie, Gavin, Noah and Gabrielle Okonski, Ariana, Easton, and Thomas Kehoe, Mariah and Phillip, Jr. Carter, Nicholas and Ariana Oaks, Dominic Reaume and Brandon Martin; Maxine’s sister, Lillian Campbell of Kalamazoo and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Maxine Okonski will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Jeff Whittaker of Michiana Christian Embassy, officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Donations in memory of Maxine may be made to the family.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Scott C. Clark, of Niles
Dec. 16, 1957 — Nov. 27, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:29am Monday, November 30, 2015

Scott C. Clark, 57, of Niles, Michigan passed peacefully on Nov. 27, 2015, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana following diabetic complications. Born in Niles to Paul and Joan (Steigley) Clark, he was a lifelong resident and graduated from Niles Senior High School in 1976. Always intrigued by automation and mechanics, he attended Denver Automotive and Diesel College before opening his first full service station.

Scott C. Clark

Scott devoted his life to his family, friends and community. On March 17, 1991, he married Jacque L. Racht also of Niles who survives. He is also survived by his mother, Joan Clark of Niles, two daughters Jennifer Bailey of Niles and Erin (Mitt) Drew also of Niles, two sons Steve (Dawn) Racht and Joseph (Heather) Racht both of Niles and fifteen (15) grandchildren Alexandria, Taylor, Madilyn, Ryan, Andie, Charlie, Moe, Mitchell, Drew, Morgan, Cory, Carson, Peyton, Jaxen and Reese. He also leaves two sisters Sue (Jack) Spence of Ann Arbor and Lynn (Robert) Fujawa of Niles along with two nieces and three nephews. In addition to spending time with loved ones, Scott especially enjoyed vintage automobiles, historical memorabilia, dining with friends and family, tending to his beloved pug Mary Wrinkle and following Notre Dame basketball.

Most will remember Scott as the proprietor of Clark’s Service in Niles which he owned and operated for over three decades. Through this calling, he developed close relationships with emergency responders, law-enforcement and countless individuals. As a successful and hardworking small business owner, he supported other entrepreneurs and served as an excellent referral source for many local enterprises. In 2012, he received the Man of the Year Award from the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce and was deeply humbled by that recognition. Scott was also committed to other noble causes including animal rescue, Babe Ruth Baseball, the Fraternal Order of Police and Free Masons to name a few.

At the time of his passing, Scott was serving in his 12th year on the Niles City Council representing the 4th Ward. A true public servant, he endeavored to make decisions that would improve the quality of life for everyone; not just those who supported him at the polls. Perhaps most significant, was Scott’s generosity and selflessness towards others. Many went to him in times of need and he provided assistance without the demand or expectation of repayment. This was true for friends and strangers alike. Those who knew him well, know that there was only one Clark. A good man that led an authentic life and whose good deeds will remain with us forever. You may honor Scott’s legacy by sending donations in his name to Greater Niles Babe Ruth Baseball.

Visitation will be conducted on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, commencing at 4 until 8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services will held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. also at Brown Funeral Home with interment following at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with Scott’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Florence Irene Joanis, of Niles
April 7, 1941 — Nov. 24, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:40am Friday, November 27, 2015

Florence Irene Joanis, 74 of Niles, passed away at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph following an extended illness.

Florence was born on April 7, 1941, in Niles to Earl and Florence (Hargreaves) Lintz. She was employed for many years at the Simplicity Pattern Company, the Northside Child Development Center and later at the former Demond’s Supermarket.

On June 19, 1959, in Niles she married Dwain K. Joanis, they were together until his death April 12, 2007.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Marjorie Lintz, Earlene Sever, and Mildred Davis of Niles and brothers Dennis and Danny Lintz of Cassopolis.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Joanis and grandson, Logan Lawson of Niles; Brothers, James (Geveva) Lintz, Niles, Earl (Marion) Lintz of Buchanan and Scott (Cecil) Lintz of Mesquite, TX and sisters, Debra (Larry) Trussell and Nancy Onken of Niles.

A graveside service for Florence will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. MI. Arrangments have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

Nancy E. Wegner, of Niles
Nov. 6, 1931 — Nov. 1, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:54 am Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Nancy E. Wegner, 83 of Niles, Michigan died unexpectedly at 9:06 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Saint Joseph, Michigan.

Nancy E. Wegner

She was born on Nov. 6, 1931, in Dowagiac, Michigan to Earl Fred and Louise (Griffis) Parmeter, Sr. She graduated from Dowagiac High School, and has lived in Niles since 1953. She had been a designer at East Main Gardens for more than thirty years, and was previously employed at the former Long’s Florist on North Fifth Street.

Nancy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles. She enjoyed needlepoint and yardwork but especially enjoyed the family activities of fishing, camping, and traveling.

On July 25, 1953, in Dowagiac she married James Phillip Wegner with whom she celebrated last year the remarkable 61st anniversary of their wedding prior to his death just 10 months ago on Dec. 27, 2014. She was also preceded in death by five siblings, Duane Parameter, Margaret Christman, Richard Parmeter, Earl Parmeter, Jr., and Dorothy Mae Parmeter.

Surviving family includes her sons, Chris James (Marti) Wegner and Robert Michael (Joyce) Wegner, both of Niles; grandchildren Chris James Wegner, Jr. and Katie Erin (Alan) Furner; great-grandchild, Genevieve Josephine Wegner; Nancy’s sister, Mary Juroff of Waverly Hall, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Nancy Wegner will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of First Presbyterian Church 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 Nancy may be made to the Niles Senior Center.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Edith Lucille Snyder, formerly of Niles
June 28, 1917 — Nov. 18, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:07 am Friday, November 20, 2015

Edith Lucille Snyder, 98, former longtime resident of Lake Street in Niles, Michigan died at 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, at Wedgewood Pines Assisted Living in South Bend, Indiana following an extended illness.

Edith Lucille Snyder

She was born on June 28, 1917, in Estey, Michigan to Albert W. and Grace C. (Brubaker) Schrader. The family moved to Toledo, Ohio for a few years, and then settled in Niles in 1927. She was employed at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company, from which she retired.

Edith was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles, and as a younger lady was a member of its Christian Mothers. She was also a member of the Lake Street Neighborhood Club, enjoying the weekly fellowship of the other ladies. She is remembered as the ultimate homemaker – sewing clothing and Easter outfits for her family, canning the produce of her vegetable garden and arranging the blooms of her flower garden, completing beautiful quilts, and being the first in her neighborhood to notice that the weather was favorable to hanging laundry.

On Oct. 26, 1935, in Plymouth, Michigan she married Leland F. “Lee” Snyder with whom she celebrated the Fifty-fifth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on Dec. 10, 1990. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Natalie Coquillard and by Edith’s siblings, Peter, Richard, and Lawrence Schrader, and Virginia Stover and Juanita Phillips.

Surviving family includes her children, Norma (Jerry) Baughman of South Bend, and Janet (Fred) Smith and Robert (Tami) Snyder, both of Niles; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren; and Edith’s sister, Emma Jean Schrumpf of Niles and brother, Robert (Dixie) Schrader of South Bend; and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Edith L. Snyder will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles by the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. Committal Rites will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Edith may be made to Saint Mark Catholic Church.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

B. Kathryn “Katie” Myers, of Niles
March 18, 1935 — Nov. 5, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:30am Tuesday, November 10, 2015

B. Kathryn “Katie” Myers, 80, of Niles, Michigan died on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Lakeland Medical Center in Saint Joseph, Michigan following an extended illness. She was born March 18, 1935, in Summitville, Tennessee to A. Gordon and Nellie M. (Petty) Freeze.

B. Kathryn “Katie” Myers

After graduating, Katie worked for the Local Finance group in Niles and then retired from Clark Equipment after 33 years of employment. She was an avid bowler and held High Series in the womens league in Niles for many years. She was the president of the Niles WBA and her team won 1st Place in division at the WIBC National Tournament in Reno, Nevada. Katie was always busy with class reunions, following her kids, grandkids and great-grand kids’ sporting events and, of course, she loved her casinos and trips to Las Vegas with Bill.

On June 7, 1958, in Niles, Katie married William G. Myers, with whom she celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary, before preceding her in death on October 6, 2006. Katie was also preceded in death by her parents; sister Betty Virginia Gunn; mother-in-law Rose J. Myers and brother-in-law Robert (Mickey) Myers.

Surviving family includes children, RoxAnne Holmes of Niles, Ronald (Leanne) G. Myers of Perth, Australia and Randy L. Myers of Niles; six grandchildren, Jayme L. Rutkowske, Ryan R. Rutkowske and William D. Mangold, all of Niles, Eric J. Myers of Bremen, Indiana, Joshua and Shanae Myers, both of Perth, Australia and 4 great-grandchildren, Alex Rutkowske, Austin Platz, Jaiden Mangold and Jaxton William Bonifacius-Myers. Also surviving is Katie’s sister, Carolyn (Bob) Geik and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The funeral service for B. Kathryn “Katie” Myers will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, at the First Church of Christ-Christian in Niles with Pastor Jim Matthews, of the church, officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. on Thursday until the time of service at the church. Donations in memory of Katie may be made to, “Billie Kathryn Myers Memorial Fund” care of First Source Bank.

www.halbritterfunerals.com