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.

Hibinger, David E.

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David E. Hibinger, of Niles
July 29, 1936 — Dec. 3, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:39am Monday, December 7, 2015

David E. Hibinger, 79, of Niles, passed away on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at West Woods of Niles, surrounded by his loving family.

David E. Hibinger
David E. Hibinger

He was born on July 29, 1936, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to the late Orville and Eleanor (Schmidt) Hibinger.

On Oct. 21, 1961, David married Rita M. Estafen at a ceremony in Akron, Ohio.

After graduating high school, David joined the U.S. Navy and served his country proudly. While in the Navy, David learned the job as press operator and began a lifetime career as a pressman working for the following companies: Freeman Studios in Berrien Springs, Dowagiac Commercial Press and Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles. In his free time David enjoyed golfing and fishing. He was a gifted singer and sang with the Barbershop Harmony Society for over 50 years. He also sang with the local Lighthouse Chorus in Niles and the Valleyaires in South Bend. David was a man of faith and a member of the St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his hard work ethic and his love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mary Anne Hibinger.

David is survived by his loving wife Rita Hibinger, his children; Deborah Dvorak, Michael Hibinger, James Hibinger, Stephen Hibinger all of Niles and Joan Suski of Granger, Indiana, five grandchildren; Adam, Bradley, Christine, Spenser and Tyler and two great-grandchildren Everett and Kloey. He also leaves to remember him two sisters, Fran Robb and Rita (Bill) Binns and a brother Dan Hibinger of all of Ohio.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church for David Hibinger by the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. and assisted by Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. Friends and family will gather at St. Mark Catholic Church for visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The family will gather for a private interment at Silverbrook Cemetery, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to St. Mark Catholic Church 3 N. 19th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

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

Arrangements have entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Campbell, Lillian Agnes (Webber)

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Lillian Agnes Campbell, formerly of Niles
April 20, 1924 — Dec. 17, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:14pm Thursday, December 17, 2015

Lillian Agnes Campbell, 91, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, formerly a lifetime Niles resident, died on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 ,at Friendship Village Senior Living Community in Kalamazoo following an extended illness. She was born April 20, 1924, in Niles to Clarence B. and Dorothy M. (Cormany) Webber.

Lillian Agnes Campbell
Lillian Agnes Campbell

Lillian was a lifetime member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles and had worked for Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles for a few years. Family was very important to Lillian. She enjoyed cooking and baking and doing yardwork with her husband.

On May 17, 1947, in Niles, Lillian married James William Campbell, with whom she celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary, before his passing on March 4, 2014. Lillian was also preceded in death by a brother, Vern Webber and three sisters, Virginia Crawford, Phyllis Burney and Maxine Okonski.

Lillian is survived by her two daughters, Pamela (Daniel) Heuschele of Kalamazoo and Terri (Tom) Lane of Watervliet, Michigan; two grandchildren, Dana (Jason) Jones of South Lake, Texas and Kaleb (Stephenie) Lane of Portage, Michigan and two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Reagan Jones.

The family of Lillian Agnes Campbell will receive relatives and friends from noon until 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, followed by a procession to the grave at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles for Committal Services by the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church.

Donations in memory of Lillian may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Eueler, Norman

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Norman Eueler, of Niles
April 12, 1938-Dec. 10, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 11:00am Monday, December 14, 2015

 

Norman Eueler, 77, of Niles, died at the West Woods of Niles Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015. Arrangements are pending with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

VanderBurg, Vance D.

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Vance D. VanderBurg, of Niles
July 22, 1937-Dec. 6, 2015

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:22am Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Vance D. VanderBurg, 78, of Niles, Michigan died at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on July 22, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Carl Marx and Mildred (Guiles) VanderBurg. He graduated from Painted Post (New York) High School, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse (New York) University and earned a Ph.D. in Physics from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Dr. VanderBurg was employed by American Electric Power as a Nuclear Engineer and was retired. He has lived in Niles since 1996.

Vance was a member of the Cathedral Church of Saint James in South Bend, Indiana. He was a veteran of the Viet Nam Era, serving in the United States Army. He was always humble to say that he served in an office post and was proud to volunteer at the Niles Senior Center to drive fellow veterans to appointments in Battle Creek. He also volunteered with the American Red Cross. Vance always sought knowledge, reading non-fiction, finding the elegance of solving a lengthy equation, and the wisdom of using a theological “discussion” to test and either prove or modify his own beliefs.

On Aug. 7, 1966, he married the former Nancy Trover Davis with whom he celebrated 20 years of marriage prior to her death on May 14, 1987. On July 22, 1988, he married the former Elizabeth Helen (Ruhoff) “Betsy” Graham, and they celebrated this year the twenty-seventh anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Betsy VanderBurg; his children, Kirsten (David) Hall of Saint Joseph, Michigan and Barton (Gwendolyn) VanderBurg of Chicago, Illinois; Betsy’s children, Robert (Stephanie) Graham of Lewis Center, Ohio, Margaret (Dan) Janei and Michael Graham, both of Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandchildren Nancy, Abigail, Carlin, Evelina, Carter, Evan, Robert, and Caroline; and Vance’s sister, Penelope “Peni” (Robert) Guyer of Roseville, California; a nephew, Zachary (Julie) Guyer and their daughter, Madelyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by an infant sister.

The Requiem Eucharist on behalf of Vance VanderBurg will be offered at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at The Cathedral of Saint James, 117 North Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend by The Very Reverend Brian G. Grantz, Dean of the Cathedral. The Committal Rite will be offered at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday at the Cathedral beginning at 5 p.m. Contributions in memory of Vance may be made to the Cathedral of Saint James Building Fund, 117 North Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana 46601; or to Holt International Children’s Services, POB 2880, Eugene, Oregon 97401; or to the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, 5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek, Michigan 49105. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Okonski, Maxine (Webber)

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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 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

Clark, Scott C.

editor Obituaries

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 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.

Joanis, Florence Irene (Lintz)

editor Obituaries

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

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