Charles ‘Chuck’ Joanis / Jan. 4, 1937-Aug. 18, 2008

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:31 am Tuesday, August 19, 2008  

Charles "Chuck" Joanis, 71, of Mobile Boulevard, Niles, died at 2:20 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with Scott Labbe, chaplain of Lakeland Hospice, officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the funeral home.

He was born on Jan. 4, 1937, in Bemidji, Minn. to Charles Arthur Joanis, Sr. and Eleanor Dorothy Mills.

He graduated from Dowagiac High School and moved to Niles in 1976.

He retired from Michiana Box &Crate in Niles after 50 years of service. Joanis was a member of the Army National Guard of Michigan-246 Armor of Dowagiac, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge No. 978 in Niles and Faternal Order of the Eagles No. 2094 in Niles.

He enjoyed playing golf, playing mostly at Plym Park, bowling Sunday nights at Whites, darts, NASCAR, football, both college and professional and doing home repairs. He enjoyed spending time with family, including his grandchildren. He was a caregiver for his sister.

On May 20, 1979, in Niles, he married Shirley (Lane) Joanis, who survives. Additional surviving family include three sons, Jerry (Nikki) Joanis of Saint Joseph, Mike Colcord of Elkhart, Ind. and Timothy Colcord of Niles; two daughters, Pam (Chris) Thomas of Niles and Lorrie Colcord of Niles; Nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Delia Shorts of Niles and two brothers, Ronald Joanis of Dowagiac and James Joanis of Edwardsburg. He was preceded death by a daughter, Kathy Kozlowski, who died Feb. 10, 2005; a granddaughter, Tiffany Colcord and grandson, Chase Kozlowski, who both died in infancy; two sisters, Jane Latimer and Yvonne Reist and a brother, Dwayne Joanis. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Arrangements were by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2008/08/19/charles-chuck-joanis-19372008/

Shirley Ann Joanis, of Niles
Nov. 29, 1935-Aug. 29, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published 9:49 am Friday, September 1, 2023 

Shirley Joanis, 87, of Niles, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Published on website of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services:

Shirley Joanis Obituary

Shirley Ann Joanis, passed away peacefully in Niles, Michigan on August 29, 2023, at the age of 87. Born on November 29, 1935, in Mishawaka, Indiana, Shirley lived a life full of love and adventure.

Shirley devoted her life to her family and home, providing a warm and welcoming environment for all who entered. A loving mother, Shirley is survived by her children, Pamela (Chris) Thomas of Niles, Michael Colcord of Elkhart, and Lorrie (Jeffrey) Hullinger of Niles, siblings; Richard (Sharon) Lane of Niles, Kenneth (Mary Ann) Lane of Niles, and Patsy (Carroll) Mead of Niles; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Her love for her family was evident in her everyday actions, from cooking family meals to supporting her children in all their endeavors.

Preceding Shirley in death are her parents, Lavall and Dorothy (Luther) Lane, husband, Charles Joanis, Children; Kathryn Kozlowski, and Timothy Colcord, Siblings; Betty Thomas, Calvin Lane, Susan Horvot, Thelma Worl, Nancy Amundson, Terry and Danny Lane, and Diane Stowe and a grandchild.

Throughout her life, Shirley was an active and passionate member of her community. She held a lifetime membership at the Moose Lodge #978 of Niles, where she enjoyed spending time and contributing to local initiatives. Always willing to lend a hand, Shirley's commitment to serving others was a testament to her generous spirit.

Shirley was a woman of many interests and pleasures. She found joy in the simple things, like reading romance novels and watching soap operas at home. She also loved going shopping, especially at yard and estate sales, always on the lookout for unique finds. Card games with her family were a favorite pastime, filled with laughter and friendly competition.

A passionate supporter of the University of Michigan, Shirley never missed an opportunity to root for her team. Her adventurous spirit also led her to enjoy camping and taking occasional trips to the bowling alley. These interests not only brought her personal joy but also created lasting memories with her loved ones.

In keeping with her wishes, she will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and remembered privately by her family. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Described as loving, passionate, and adventurous, Shirley's spirit, kindness, and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, as they continue to be inspired by her unwavering love and dedication to her family and community.

Lonnie Joe Miller, 70, of Niles
Aug. 5, 1953-Sept. 5, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:10 pm Tuesday, September 5, 2023 

Lonnie Joe Miller, 70, of Niles, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.

Published on Hoven Funeral Home website:

Lonnie Joe Miller of Niles, Michigan | 1953 - 2023 | Obituary

Lonnie Joe Miller, age 70, known fondly as Joe to his friends and family, was born on August 5, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana, and graced this world with his vibrant spirit until September 5, 2023. A courageous soul, Lonnie made his mark on the world with his compassionate heart, generous spirit, and contagious humor. He was a proud resident of Niles, Michigan, and a dedicated contractor by profession, painting life not just through his work but through his jovial nature.

Raised in the Methodist Church, Lonnie lived his life in line with the teachings of Proverbs 11:25, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." He was a standout athlete in football and track at Niles High School, a testament to his competitive spirit and dedication. His love for sports didn't end there; Lonnie was a dedicated Michigan Football fan and an avid follower of Big 10 conference athletics. His generosity extended beyond family and friends, as he tirelessly volunteered in support of community charities and food programs, embodying his belief in giving back to the community.

Lonnie is survived by his loving mother, Alma Hatcher Miller, his beloved children Lonnie, Darrell, Dwight, and Jacob Miller, his caring siblings Linda Quinn Moseray, Dannie Quinn, Millajean (Ken) Miller Bradley, Joan Lawona Miller, Norwood Miller, Albert Miller, Milton Miller, David Miller and many nieces and nephews, including his special nephews Ronnie Quinn, Daniel Quinn and his special friends, Arthur Morgan, Ricky Fouche, Danny Palmer and Bruce Smith. He was greeted in heaven by his father, Green Miller, his brother Jonnie Quinn, son Dwayne Miller Palmer, and nephew Aaron Miller.

Please join us in celebrating Lonnie's life on Monday, September 11, 2023, at Hoven Funeral Home, 414 East Front Street, Buchanan, Michigan, 49107, with visitation at 10:00 am EDT and funeral services at 12:00 pm EDT. As we gather to remember this extraordinary man, we invite you to share your memories of Lonnie on the memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a testament to the love and joy he brought into our lives. Lonnie's spirit will live on in each of us, reminding us to be courageous, compassionate, funny, and generous in all that we do.

Judy Lynn Tinkey Smith
December 24, 1944 — November 17, 2023
formerly of Niles, Michigan

Published on website of Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary

Allegra E. Reed
October 16, 1928 — November 10, 2023

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Obituary

Allegra E. “Aggie” Reed, age 95 years of Niles, Michigan; mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, housekeeper, gardener, and word puzzle fan died peacefully at 2:42 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan following an extended illness.

She was born on October 16, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Gustav W. H. and Josephine (Pietales) Grasenack, but came as a small child with her family to Niles.  She was graduated from Niles High School, and was first employed at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company, working in the bookbinding department, and then began a career in housekeeping at area hotels.  She was later employed for many years in housekeeping at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana.

Aggie attended the Coulter’s Chapel Church of God in Niles as a child with her family, and has always considered Coulter’s Chapel as her home church.  At home, she enjoyed flower gardening, especially roses, irises, and tulips, and had a great appreciation for lighthouses.  She kept her mind active with books full of various word puzzles such as Word Search.

On October 23, 1954 in Roseland, Indiana she was married to Eddie H. Reed by the Justice of the Peace.  Eddie and Aggie celebrated the remarkable Sixty-seventh Anniversary of their wedding just months prior to his death on December 18, 1921.

Surviving family includes their children, Edward H. Reed, Eugene H. Reed, and Theresa A. Reed, all of  Niles; grandson Edward Christopher “Chris” Reed (& Stacy Borr); and great-grandchildren Parker Borr and Evelyn Borr.

The family of Allegra Reed will gather privately for Committal Services at her graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles with Pastor David Frazier of Coulter’s Chapel officiating.  Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online memories may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Aggie led a simple life, doing what needed to be done every day, but in so doing, she helped hotels to provide shelter to guests, helped a hospital to safely provide care and healing for patients, and successfully raised three children, loved her grandson and his children, and took care of Eddie; all evidence of loving God and loving people.

Beverly Ann Heckelsberg
Feb. 24, 1940-Oct. 29, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published online 6:46 pm Tuesday, October 31, 2023       

Beverly Ann (Milner) Heckelsberg, 83, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in her Niles, Michigan residence.

Beverly was born on Feb. 24, 1940, in Terre Haute, Indiana to the late Harold James Heckelsberg and Mildred Grace (Little) Milner-Bachstein. Beverly was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Richard Alan Heckelsberg; sons, Richard Heckelsberg II and David Heckelsberg; grandson, Shane Grant; brothers, Michael Bachstein and David Bachstein; and brother-in-law, Kenny Bombard.

Left to cherish the memory of Beverly are her loving children, LaTasha (Jimmie) Ketchum and Chris (Susie) Heckelsberg; grandchildren, “Little” David Pollock and Rachelle (Michael) Myers; great-grandchildren, Laila, Kayson, and Haiden; and sister, Ramona Bombard. On December 5, 1955, Beverly skipped school with the love of her life, Richard Alan Heckelsberg, to go get married. Together, they shared 56 happy years. Beverly was a member of the Easterns Star Chapter #332 of Niles.

Beverly was a beacon of love and strength, a woman whose heart was as vast as her love for animals. She was a devoted supporter of the ASPCA, her generosity reflecting her deep compassion for all animals great and small.

Beverly was a fiercely independent woman, yet her greatest pride was her family. She was the best mother one could ever ask for, her love for her children was boundless and unconditional. Her family was her world, and she was the heart of theirs.

Beverly’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through the world with grace and humility. Her spirit was a testament to her belief, radiating warmth and love to all who knew her. Beverly’s legacy of kindness, faith, and love will forever be remembered.

Visitation for Beverly will be on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., with a Funeral Service to be held at 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E Main St. Niles, MI 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 E Main St. Niles, MI 49120. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Beverly’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2023/10/31/beverly-ann-heckelsberg/