Carl Steven DeLand
September 8, 1935 — January 9, 2025

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

 Carl DeLand, 89, of Niles, died peacefully Thursday, January 9, 2025 in the comfort of his family’s presence.

 His life began September 8, 1935 in Monroe, Michigan the first of two children born to Carl Gordon and Esther A. DeLand. He married Kathleen Maager in the Cassopolis Methodist Church on December 27, 1957, recently celebrating 67 years. She survives.

 Carl served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp., U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army from which he retired in 1996, with twenty-one years of combined service. Carl graduated from Bethel College with a Bachelors degree in 1972. Following graduation, he worked at Bendix as an accountant. He also taught cost accounting part time at Southwestern College.

 Carl was a loyal Cubs and Bears fan. He was also an avid golfer, he golfed in a league at Brookwood and enjoyed sports in general. Carl enjoyed traveling across the United States, especially Hawaii, where he we would visit Pearl Harbor. He was a proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. Carl enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren supporting them in all their sporting events and activities.

 Carl will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Niles; daughters, Suzette (Jim) Doolittle, Diane (Joe) Sharkey; son, Carl Robert (Christine) DeLand; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and his sister, Marie Jo Springer and several nieces and nephews.

  Family and friends will gather for a memorial service 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, in the Buchanan Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3115 Niles Buchanan Road, Buchanan, Michigan 49017. 

 Carl will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. 

 The family prefers contributions in memory of Carl be made to, United Service Organization (USO) by visiting USO.org.

  Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services. Please leave a condolence at HalbritterWickens.com

Philip Ryan Cleary 
July 19, 1988-September 22, 2024

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Phillip Ryan Cleary, 36, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in South Holland, Illinois.

Phil was born on July 19, 1988 in Palos Heights, Illinois to Phillip Otto Cleary and Pamela Jo (Hearn) Shaw.

Phil was preceded in death by his mother, Pamela Jo (Hearn) Shaw and grandparents, Gary Ernst, Arlene Cleary, Phillip Roy Cleary, Anthony Carman, and Lawrence Hearn.

Left to cherish the memory of Phil is his loving wife, Penelope (Winke) Cleary; children, Adallise Winke, Annika Cleary, Phillip P. Cleary, and Peter Cleary; father, Phillip Otto Cleary; mother, Tammy Cleary; siblings, Brandy (Adam) Albers, Jovonna (Robyn) Moore, Lillith (Luis) Zazueta, Brent (Jessica) Shaw, and Megan (Micah) Barnes, and grandparents, H. Kay Ernst, Myrna Hearn, and Robert (Ann) Rhodes.

Phil was an avid weightlifter who pushed himself to do his personal best. He was a man whose strength was matched by his wit, and whose sense of humor brought light into the lives of all who knew him.

Phil was a man deeply rooted in his faith, with an unwavering certainty in the presence and love of God, which guided him through every step of his life.

A loving husband and great dad, Phil had a knack for involving himself wholeheartedly in every aspect of his children's lives. As a playful and involved father, he left an indelible mark on his children, nurturing them with love, intelligence, and the spirit of inquiry. Phil loved to bike ride, skateboard, and be chased around in intense games of tag with his children. His home resonated with the stories he read to his children, a testament to his passion for learning and sharing knowledge.

Phil's enduring devotion to his wife, Penelope, was the cornerstone of his life. They shared a love so deep, spending every possible moment together, turning ordinary days into treasured memories. Together, they explored life's simple pleasures—strolling through their favorite parks, feeling the sand beneath their feet on beachside walks, and bike rides. They found harmony in their shared voices, singing along to the radio together.

Phil's insatiable curiosity about the inner workings of the world drove him to tinker and to create, building not just things, but also building the foundation for his family’s future. He maintained an admirable balance, working full time while simultaneously pursuing his bachelor's degree—a feat that spoke to his driven nature.

Even with life's myriad responsibilities, Phil never lost his childlike wonder and eagerness to learn. His intelligence shone brightly as he taught those around him, drawing them into a world of understanding that will continue to be explored in his honor.

Phil will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private family visitation for Phil will be on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Public visitation will be from 12:00pm to 1:00pm with a Funeral Service to be held at 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St. Niles, MI 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Timothy G. Pedzinski
June 5, 1960 — September 3, 2024

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website: 

Timothy Glenn Pedzinski, 64, of Niles, died peacefully Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in the comfort of his wife’s presence.

His life began June 5, 1960 in Michigan City, Indiana, born to Norman and Ruth Pedzinski. He married Marcia K. Brown June 14, 1980, in Indianapolis, IN.

Tim owned and operated John’s Glass for over twenty years, appreciating the many friendships he developed there. He spent 15 years in the Army National Guard retiring as a 1st Lieutenant. Tim was a craftsman and loved to build things both big and small. When he was young, he enjoyed time outside with his father, hunting and fishing. In more recent years he enjoyed spending time working on his hobby farm with chickens. Tim was very active in the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) along with his wife Marcia; they were also active members of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education). For most of his adult life, he was an active participant in the worship team at his church, as well as serving in various roles on many DeColores weekends.

Tim will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Marcia Pedzinski; three daughters, Suzanne Elizabeth Frederick, Rebecca Dawn Pedzinski, Jennifer Tiffany Pedzinski; grandchildren Vaelisara Frederick, Ethan Pedzinski, Wolfram Frederick, Aaliyah Pedzinski, Owen Pedzinski; his mother, Ruth Erickson and his brother, Jonathon (Amy) Pedzinski. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman Pedzinski.

Family and friends will gather Monday, September 9, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services 615 East Main Street Niles. His Celebration of Life will be held at Summit Church 1700 West River Road, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a one hour visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the church.

Tim will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions in memory of Tim to be made to Christian Motorcyclists Association, Rhema Riders Chapter #813, Run for the Son.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services. Please share a memory or a message online: HalbritterWickens.com.

Patricia Dorothea Gondeck
September 30, 1931 — September 13, 2024

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website: 

Patricia Dorothea Gondeck, of Niles, died peacefully Friday, September 13, 2024, She was born September 30, 1931, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Vernon and Dorothy (Hanley) Kamin and grew up in Maywood, Illinois, graduating from Proviso East High School in 1949. 

As a gifted pianist, Patricia attended the American Conservatory of Music, in Chicago, Illinois, where she met her future husband, James Gondeck, while they were both studying there. He had just returned from serving honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They were married January 13, 1951, in Maywood, Illinois, and returned to Niles, Michigan, where James was raised and where they remained as lifelong residents. After fifty years of marriage, James preceded her in death in 2001.

Patricia is survived by their two children; Kristine Lynch of Pierson, Michigan, and Timothy Gondeck of Niles, Michigan.

Patricia was a pioneer in female aviation, attaining her pilots license in 1956. She went on to obtain twin engine, commercial and instrument ratings as well as a float plane rating. Patricia flew planes as a corporate pilot until 1974, flying out of Niles Airways as well as corporate planes for Tyler Refrigeration, Clark Equipment, and Kawneer Door companies, as well as many other flights, including those for pleasure.

During these years she also assisted James in running his fly-fishing lure manufacturing company, Pop-Lur Co.

Patricia was a stay-at-home mom and part time book keeper for Falhaber/Shaner in Niles for several years after her flying career. In 1980 she went to work for the University of Notre Dame as an executive assistant for the Dean of Arts and Letters. She went on to be the executive assistant the Associate Provost, retiring from the university in 1996.

After retirement Patricia continued her love of travel, and was able to complete visiting every state except for Hawaii. She and James made it to Alaska on a cruise for their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2001.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Terrace Longmeadow in Niles for the incredible care she received the last two years.

Family and friends will gather in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan, Thursday September 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Patricia be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street. Suite 800. Miami, Florida 33131.

Janyce Eileen Gano
October 30, 1925-September 5, 2025

Published online Leader Publication, September 11, 2025

Janyce E. Gano, 99, of Niles, died peacefully Friday, September 5, 2025.

Her life began October 30, 1925 in St. Joseph, Michigan. She and her twin brother, Jerry Smith, were born to Earle and Lucille (Franz) Smith. Janyce married Robert Dean Gano June 14, 1945 in Niles, Michigan.

Janyce spent most of her life in Niles and was a graduate of Niles High School. She and Dean raised their children in Niles. She took the time to invest in her community by volunteering in the schools while her children were young, and for many years at Pawating Hospital, now Corewell Health Lakeland. Janyce loved to knit and do various crafts, but most importantly she cherished her family and loved being with them.

She was a member of New Journey United Methodist Church, Niles, formerly the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Janyce will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by one daughter, Mary Hayden of South Bend, Indiana; two sons, Jon (Connie) Gano of Missouri, Brian (Lisa) Gano of Auburn; eight grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; one sister, Barb Brooks of Niles; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, R. Dean Gano; and two brothers, Donavon Smith, Jerry Smith.

The family will observe a private remembrance at this time.

Janyce will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Janyce be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements h ave been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.